What is a CE marking? A CE marking is a European marking of conformity that indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of the applicable European laws or directives with respect to safety, health, environment and consumer protection. Generally, this conformity to the applicable directives is done through self-declaration. The CE marking is required on products in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) to facilitate trade between the member countries. The manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the EEA is responsible for affixing the CE marking to his product. The CE marking provides a means for a manufacturer to demonstrate that his product complies with a common set of laws required by all of the countries in the EEA to allow free movement of trade within the EEA countries.

Unlike the UL Mark, the CE marking:

• Is not a safety certification mark
• Is generally based on self-declaration rather than third party certification
• Does not demonstrate compliance to North American safety standards or installation codes

A product that bears a CE marking may also bear a certification mark such as UL's listing mark, however, the CE marking and the UL mark have no association. The UL mark indicates compliance with the applicable safety requirements in effect in North America and is evidence of UL certification, which is accepted by Model North American Installation Codes such as the National Electrical Code and the Canadian Electrical Code.

The CE marking on products is not a certification mark. AHJs should continue to look for the UL mark on products in order to determine if a product complies with applicable safety requirements for North America.

[Information courtesy of Underwriters Laboratories]