CE marking, accurately explained.

Every EU directive and regulation that requires CE marking, the conformity assessment process behind each one, and what changed in 2025 and 2026. No marketing, no consulting pitch — just the rules and how they apply.

Start hereWhat is CE marking? ScopingDoes my product need it? ProcessThe 6 steps to compliance DocumentationThe EU Declaration of Conformity

2026 status: the Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110 applies from 8 January 2026, the Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509 entered force 1 January 2026, and the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 begins applying 20 January 2027. The UK recognises CE marking indefinitely for 21 product regulations. See 2025–2026 changes.

Foundations

The horizontal concepts that apply across every CE-marked product.

What CE marking is and what it isn't Does your product need CE marking? Scope and exclusions The CE marking process Six steps from scope to signature Conformity assessment modules Modules A through H, explained Technical documentation What the technical file must contain EU Declaration of Conformity Mandatory contents and format Notified Bodies When they're required, how to choose one Harmonised standards Presumption of conformity Affixing the CE mark Dimensions, placement, visibility Manufacturer obligations The primary responsible party Importer obligations Verification duties for EU importers Authorised Representative The EU-based legal contact Distributor obligations Due-diligence checks at resale

Directives & regulations

One page per piece of EU harmonisation legislation that mandates CE marking. Scope, essential requirements, assessment route, and current legal status.

Electrical, electronic, radio

Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 Ecodesign Regulation 2024/1781 (ESPR)

Machinery, pressure, lifts

Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU Simple Pressure Vessels Directive 2014/29/EU Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Cableway Installations Regulation 2016/424 Outdoor Equipment Noise Directive 2000/14/EC

Medical & diagnostic

Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745 (MDR) In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation 2017/746 (IVDR)

Consumer & protective

Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509 PPE Regulation 2016/425 Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU Pyrotechnic Articles Directive 2013/29/EU

Construction, gas, fuels

Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110 Gas Appliances Regulation 2016/426 Explosives for Civil Uses Directive 2014/28/EU

Measurement & marine

Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments 2014/31/EU Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU

Practical questions & adjacent law

Where CE marking meets enforcement, neighbouring rules, and questions that don't fit inside a single directive.

GPSR 2023/988 How it interacts with CE CE marking vs UKCA Status in Great Britain in 2026 The New Legislative Framework How modern CE law is structured The Blue Guide, explained The Commission's own interpretation Market surveillance How non-compliance is found Penalties for incorrect CE marking Fines, withdrawals, criminal liability Importing from non-EU manufacturers Who carries which obligation Risk assessment for CE marking How to structure and document it Costs & timelines What CE marking actually requires in spend and time Common CE marking mistakes And how regulators identify them The AI Act and CE marking How AI Act compliance integrates CE marking for e-commerce sellers Marketplace obligations under GPSR & MSR Digital Product Passport What it is and which products will need it

What changed in 2025 and 2026

Construction Products Regulation 2024/3110 applies to most construction products from 8 January 2026, replacing Regulation 305/2011 with a phased transition.
Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509 entered force on 1 January 2026, replacing Directive 2009/48/EC and introducing the Digital Product Passport for toys.
Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 begins applying on 20 January 2027, but its notified-body provisions have been in force since January 2024. Scope is extended to software, AI components, and cybersecurity-related safety risks.
General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 has applied since 13 December 2024 and now layers traceability and "responsible person" duties on top of CE obligations for consumer products.
UK indefinite recognition of CE marking is now in force for 21 product regulations covering Great Britain. UKCA remains optional for those categories. Medical devices, construction products, and certain other categories follow separate UK regimes.