European Directives

This section of our web site focuses on the application of harmonized standards for the presumption of conformity with applicable directives.

If you're looking for information specific to testing for compliance with a given directive, for a particular product type, or for a known specification, in pursuit of CE marking, please visit our Learning Center section. or feel free to contact us

What is CE marking and why is the CE mark needed

The CE mark enables the free movement of products into and within the European market.

By placing a CE mark on a product the manufacturer is declaring, on their sole responsibility, that the product conforms to all legal requirements to achieve CE marking.

Prior to placing the product on the European market, a manufacturer performs an assessment of the product against all applicable EU Directives, and verifies compliance with the relevant essential requirements.

Not all products require the CE mark, only products subject to specific directives must bear the CE mark.

Download a copy of the CE marking brochure published by the European Commission

Background on EU directives in general

Please see the "Blue Guide 2016" for general information on European directives

More information can be found in the European Commission reference documents "single market for goods".

Publication of titles and references of harmonized standards

The following section contains lists of harmonized standards, as well as guidance documents published in the Official Journal of the European Union or by the European Commission. Documents organized by directive. Please note, documents are not maintained by Compatible Electronics but rather are provided here for your convenience. The original documents can be found at http://europa.eu/

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Other EU documents of interest

Single reference point for uniform EU radio spectrum information (Press Release) (pdf 182KB)

ERO Frequency Information System - Link to the ERO web page

Weee and RoHS Directive faq - 5/2005 (pdf 1.8MB)

Historic --------------

R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC

Guide to the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC - (pdf 606KB)

RED Guide

harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices - 2013/752/EU

EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

Guide for the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC - (pdf 340KB)

EMC Quick Guide April 2009 - (pdf 54KB)

Note, EMC Directive - 89/336/EEC repealed July 20, 2007 (DOW July 20, 2009)