CE markings and why you need them

Happy customers return more often and return less – that’s why it’s important to offer them a safe and reliable range. Assortments that comply with the relevant regulations, because that way you can be sure that you are on the safe side. In the near future, we will carry out checks on CE markings.

To indicate that your products meet the requirements in the areas of safety, health and environment, there is the so-called CE mark. This marking is even mandatory for most products marketed in the European Union (EU)!

Is the CE mark also mandatory for you?

Do you sell, for example, toys, electronics, personal protective equipment or medical devices? Then there is a good chance that your product needs to be CE marked. The responsibilities you have in this respect depend on your role – whether you are the importer, distributor or manufacturer. Here’s how to check whether you need a CE mark for your product(s):

• Step 1: Is your product in this overview of product groups for which CE marking is mandatory? Then proceed to step 2.
• Step 2: Check whether the item, its packaging or an accompanying document contains the correct instructions and information, namely:
  1. The CE marking,
  2. The type, batch, serial or model number.
  3. The safety information in Dutch or English and
  4. The trade name, brand name or name and contact details of the manufacturer.
  5. Are you offering an article that has been placed on the market from a country outside the EU? In that case, the trade name, brand name or name and contact details of the importer must also be stated on or with the item.
• Step 3: Make sure you have this information available at all times, as both we and the authorities may ask for it.
  1. Are you a manufacturer? Then you are responsible for preparing and signing the documents that accompany the CE marking – such as the technical documentation and the EC Declaration of Conformity. You can read more about this here. Please note: if you offer an article under your own (brand or trade) name, you are considered a manufacturer by law.
  2. Are you an importer of an article from a country outside the EU? Then you must have a copy of the EC declaration of conformity. You do not have to draw up or sign any technical documentation yourself.
  3. Are you a distributor? Then you only need to have the documents mentioned in step 2 available.

What if I do not comply with this obligation?

The (safety) rules are determined by law – and so you must be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary CE marking(s). If not, you are legally in breach. This means that you can be fined, your product can be rejected by bol.com or it can be taken offline. All this is to prevent customers from being put at risk by potentially unsafe products.