§4.5.1.7 CE marking and other markings

— The CE marking is the only marking of conformity indicating that a product is in conformity with Union harmonisation legislation that applies to it and provides for CE marking. — Member States must refrain from introducing any reference to another conformity marking into their national regulations, which would overlap with the CE marking. — A product may bear additional markings and marks, provided that they fulfil a different function from that of the CE marking, are not liable to cause confusion with it, and do not reduce its legibility and visibility. The CE marking replaces all mandatory conformity markings having the same meaning, which existed before harmonisation took place. Such national conformity markings are incompatible with CE marking and would constitute an infringement of the applicable European legislation in question. When transposing Union harmonisation legislation, Member States are required to incorporate the CE marking into their national regulations and administrative procedures. They must also refrain from introducing any other conformity marking into their national legislation that has the same meaning as the CE marking. However, other markings may be used as long as they contribute to the protection of public interests, are not covered by Union harmonisation legislation and their affixing does not impair the visibility, legibility and meaning of the CE marking. The affixing of additional markings (such as a protected trademark of a manufacturer or other private/national markings) is allowed to the extent that such markings do not create confusion with the CE marking. This confusion may either refer to the meaning or form of the CE marking. In this respect, other markings additional to the CE marking need to fulfil a different function from that of the CE marking. Thus, they should provide information on conformity with objectives that are different from those to which the CE marking relates (for example environmental aspects not covered by the applicable Union harmonisation legislation). Furthermore several Union harmonisation acts foresee additional markings that are complementary and non-overlapping to the CE marking (see under 4.5.2).

← 4.5.1.6 · All articles · 4.5.1.8 →

Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07