How to get CE marking
The full process.
Your EU partner for CE marking, certification & compliance
Most CE-marked products are self-certified: the manufacturer tests, documents and declares conformity itself. A Notified Body - a conformity assessment body designated by an EU Member State - is mandatory only where the legislation says so, usually for higher-risk products.
| Legislation | Self-certification (Module A) | Notified Body |
|---|---|---|
| Low Voltage Directive | Always | Never required |
| EMC Directive | Always possible | Optional (EU-type examination) |
| Radio Equipment Directive | Where harmonised standards are applied in full for the radio and specific requirements | Where they are not, or are cited with restrictions that apply to the product |
| Machinery | Most machinery | High-risk machinery listed in Annex IV (Directive) / Annex I (Regulation) |
| PPE Regulation | Category I | Category II and III |
| Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 from 1 August 2030) | Where harmonised standards cover all requirements and are applied | Otherwise EU-type examination |
| Construction Products Regulation | AVCP system 4 | Systems 1+, 1, 2+ and 3 |
| Gas appliances, lifts, pressure equipment (category II-IV) | - | Required |
Depending on the module, a Notified Body examines the design (EU-type examination, Module B), checks production (Modules C2, D, E, F), assesses a full quality system (Module H) or verifies a single unit (Module G). It issues a certificate, and where it is involved in production control its number follows the CE mark.
Certificates from laboratories that are not Notified Bodies - often called "CE certificates" or "certificates of compliance" - have no legal status where the legislation requires a Notified Body.
No. For most products under the Low Voltage, EMC and RoHS directives the manufacturer self-certifies. A Notified Body is required only where the applicable legislation requires third-party assessment.
Yes. You can use any Notified Body designated for your legislation and procedure, wherever it is in the EU.
No. We help determine whether one is needed, prepare the documentation and coordinate with a suitable Notified Body.
The full process.
Where the Notified Body number goes.
Our support with the conformity route.
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.
Tell us where your company is based, your product sector and how far your documentation is. Before any engagement, we send you a proposed compliance route.