What is CE marking and why is it necessary?
CE marking is a conformity mark that confirms that products comply with European Union directives on safety, health, and environmental protection. It is not a “quality certificate” in the traditional sense, but rather a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity with established requirements.
Without CE certification, the sale of products on the EU market is prohibited in most cases.
Which products are subject to mandatory CE marking?
CE certification is mandatory for many product categories, in particular:
- electrical and electronic equipment;
- machinery and industrial equipment;
- household appliances;
- construction products;
- medical devices;
- toys;
- personal protective equipment.
For food products and cosmetics, European certification is carried out according to other regulations, and CE marking does not apply to them.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining CE marking
The certification procedure for export to the EU usually includes the following steps:
- determining which EU directives apply to a specific product;
- analysis of requirements and harmonized standards;
- preparation of CE technical documentation;
- conducting testing (if necessary);
- preparation of EU declarations of conformity;
- affixing the CE marking to products and packaging.
EU directives: how to determine which ones apply to your product
A single product may be subject to several EU directives at once. For example, electrical equipment is often covered by requirements for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and the restriction of hazardous substances. Incorrect identification of directives is one of the most common mistakes in CE marking Ukraine.
CE technical documentation: what you need to prepare
CE technical documentation usually includes:
- description of the product and its purpose;
- drawings, diagrams, technical specifications;
- risk assessment results;
- test reports;
- operating and safety instructions;
- EU declaration of conformity.
This documentation must be kept by the manufacturer for at least 10 years after the product is put into circulation.
Testing and European certification: where and how to conduct
Not all products require mandatory involvement of a notified body. For high-risk products, testing is carried out in accredited EU laboratories. In other cases, the manufacturer can independently confirm compliance, but bears full responsibility for the accuracy of the data within the framework of CE certification.
Common mistakes when applying CE marking
The following errors are most commonly found during export certification:
- incorrect interpretation of EU directives;
- incomplete or outdated CE technical documentation;
- lack of risk assessment;
- errors in the EU declaration of conformity;
- incorrect application of the CE marking.
Terms and CE marking cost
In 2026, the estimated deadlines for obtaining CE marking are as follows:
- 2 to 4 weeks — for simple products without mandatory testing;
- 1 to 3 months — for complex products requiring laboratory testing.
CE marking costs depend on the type of product and may vary:
- from €800 to €1,500 for standard products;
- from €3,000 and above — for complex or regulated products.
Responsibility for selling products without CE marking
Selling goods within the EU without CE marking may result in:
- withdrawal of products from circulation;
- financial penalties;
- import ban;
- serious reputational damage for the manufacturer.
CE marking is a key element of European certification and a prerequisite for legal export to the EU. Correct identification of requirements, preparation of CE technical documentation, and proper completion of the EU declaration of conformity enable Ukrainian companies to consistently enter the European market without legal risks.
For businesses, this means not only access to EU sales, but also reduced risks of product blockages, inspections, and financial losses.
