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EU Declaration of Conformity: contents and template

The EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is the document in which the manufacturer takes legal responsibility for the product's compliance. Marketplaces, importers and market surveillance authorities ask for it first.

Annex III, Decision 768/2008/EC One DoC for all acts Kept for 10 years Signed by the manufacturer

Required contents

The model structure in Annex III of Decision No 768/2008/EC is reproduced in most CE marking directives and regulations. A DoC should contain:

#ItemNotes
1Product model or type, batch or serial numberA unique identification of the product.
2Name and address of the manufacturer and, where applicable, its authorised representativeMust match the label.
3Statement that the declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturerFixed wording.
4Object of the declarationIdentification allowing traceability; may include a photo.
5Statement of conformity with the relevant Union harmonisation legislationList every applicable act with its number, for example Directive 2014/35/EU.
6References to the harmonised standards or other specifications usedInclude the year of each standard.
7Notified Body name, number, what it did and the certificate numberOnly where a Notified Body was involved.
8Additional informationAs required by the specific legislation.
9Signed for and on behalf of: place and date of issue, name, function, signatureA person authorised to bind the manufacturer.

Rules that apply to every DoC

Common mistakes

1

Repealed directives

Citing 2006/95/EC or 2004/108/EC instead of the current LVD 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU.

2

Signed by a test lab

A laboratory's "certificate of conformity" is not a DoC. Only the manufacturer or its mandated authorised representative signs.

3

Missing acts

RoHS 2011/65/EU is forgotten on most electrical products.

4

Model mismatch

The model numbers on the DoC, the label and the listing must match.

Construction products are different

Products covered by a harmonised standard under the Construction Products Regulation carry the CE mark on the basis of a Declaration of Performance (DoP), not an EU Declaration of Conformity. The DoP declares performance against essential characteristics instead of conformity with requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Who can sign the EU Declaration of Conformity?

The manufacturer, or an authorised representative established in the EU if the manufacturer has mandated it to do so in writing. Importers and distributors cannot sign a DoC on the manufacturer's behalf unless they become the manufacturer.

Does the DoC need to be in every EU language?

It must be translated into the language or languages required by each Member State where the product is made available. Many manufacturers keep the English original and provide translations on request or with the product.

What is a simplified EU Declaration of Conformity?

Some acts, including the Radio Equipment Directive, allow a short statement with an internet address where the full DoC can be accessed.

Is a DoC the same as a CE certificate?

No. The DoC is issued by the manufacturer. A certificate is issued by a Notified Body and only exists where the legislation requires third-party assessment.

Related guides

Note: This guide provides general information about EU product legislation, not legal advice. Check the current legal texts on EUR-Lex for your product. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.

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