31 Oct What is CE Marking?

Importance of CE Marking

The CE (Conformité Européenne) mark, is an authentication symbol for products that can be legally sold in Europe. The CE mark ostensibly means that the product manufacturer(s) take responsibility for each products’ compliance with European Directives.

The mark is required in all 27 European Union member states, and Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey also carry CE marking protocol. The letters ‘CE’ appear on products that can be traded on the single market in the European Economic Area (EEA).

By definition, CE marking shows:

• The manufacturer(s) checked these products meet EU health, safety and environmental regulations.
• The product(s) is indicative of EU legislation compliance.
• The product(s) can be traded in the European single market.

Baker Steel Trading is CE approved, in accordance with the BS EN 1090-1:2009 (+ A1:2011) standard of structural steel products and components.

What Products need CE Marking?

CE marking is not mandatory for all products sold in the EU. CE marks are only required for products that meet the European Directives which define essential requirements related to health, safety and environmental issues. The products must meet these requirements to be sold.

• Construction materials
• Machinery
• Pressure equipment
• Pyrotechnics
• Medical devices
• Electromagnetic products

CE marking is not required for products such as chemicals, foodstuffs, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. All of BST’s products, from hollow section steel to parallel flange channels as well as structural steel beams and columns, all have been tested extensively. All products fall within the Construction product group, which is regulated by the harmonised conditions laid out in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

You can see the full list of product groups here.

How to get CE Certification

There is a structured process that is necessary to achieve CE certification for your products. It involves six key steps.

1. Identify the applicable Directive(s). Check that what you’re selling falls within these European Directives that may or may not require the mark.
2. Identify the Directive(s) requirements. Each Directive has different processes and methods, and by extension, different essential requirements. Typically the best way to meet these is to follow the ‘harmonised European Norms’ Standard, known as hENs.
3. Determine the best route to conformity. Although the CE certification process is a procedure of self-assessment and declaration, an authorised third party might be needed. This entirely depends on your products and the relevant Directives.
4. Undergo the conformity assessment. When all requirements are established, you have to prove that your product(s) meet the Directive requirements, usually by testing and an assessment.
5. Compile all technical documentation. These technical documents should cover all aspects of conformity as well as design, development and manufacturing details.
6. Make the declaration and obtain the certification. When all relevant parties are satisfied of the product’s conformity to the appropriate Directives, a declaration has to be completed. It’s commonly known as the EU Declaration of Conformity.

Benefits of CE Marking

• Responsibility – products that comply with such a high amount of restrictions, requirements and specifications, should be seen as very reliable and fit for purpose. These extensive checks and conditions are in place for a reason; products meeting universal standards that have been agreed upon by people whose job is to ensure the welfare, safety and protection of consumers, have to be responsibly checked. A CE mark effectively guarantees responsibility has been taken to ensure its usability.

• Trust – consumers can enjoy and make use of products that adhere to the same defined standards, minimum requirements and most importantly, protection. Effective CE marking ensures optimum health, safety and environmental security in products.

• Free movement – for businesses trading in the EEA and European single market, CE marked products have no restrictions and can be freely moved across the member states.

Baker Steel Trading

If you are on the market for structural steel, or custom steel fabrication, and would like to reach out to a supplier that provides CE marked products, then reach out to Baker Steel Trading today. We have a plethora of experience in the steel industry, servicing many commercial, domestic and industrial projects throughout the South East of the UK for years.

We are an organised team of structural steel fabricators, UK-based and willing to provide bespoke construction of steel buildings and twinned steel in-house, or on-site. We also offer a mobile welding service where a licensed coded welder can visit your site to provide some essential fixes and welds in a quick manner.

Get in touch with us by calling 01483 481900 or filling out our contact form.