Numpty question regarding CE marks…

If a product is supplied with a certificate referring to Constuction Products Directive 89/106/CEE, this means it has the CE Mark, no?

I’m no expert, but I think CE means something meets all relevant directives. Most things will come under a number of directives (eg Low voltage, emc, machinery) so without knowing what the product is, it’s not easy to say if meeting one directive is enough to meet CE.
But I’m no expert.

CE, means council of europe and was first put on kids toys and now is spreading to more items, it means the product has been tested either by the maker, or an independant test house , and meets the relevant standards.

I thought it also meant that if you manufacture a product consistantly it could have a CE mark whether that product be consistantly crap or not. Not a Quality mark was my understanding

I think that would be closer to the ISO9001 which is a paper trail, Sturmey.
The directive sets out quality measures and fit for use, but most people seem to consider the CE mark important. As richmars has highlighted, the answer will not be a simple one.

Also, don’t forget, that most CE marks can be self certified. Part of that process is the creation of a technical construction file (TCF), which the manufacturer should keep for ten years. Part of the TCF is that the manufacturer should identify which directives the produce comes under, and show how it meets the requirement.
Best thing is to ask the supplier/manufacturer.
More info on the BSI web site. Also TUV is a good source of info.

Cheers richmars, I think I have it now, in that

With the CE marking on a product the manufacturer ensures that the product conforms with the essential requirements of the applicable EC directives

I’d say the product isn’t self certified as the certificate comes from CIDEMCO, an independant testing body.
Why isn’t anything simple anymore? 🙁

I thought the manufacturer could self-certify but it’s a few years since I did the course so I’m not absolutely sure.

However, like most of these things nowadays, people affix them to items that do not comply so they are essentially worthless as you can’t trust the mark.

A typical example most on here are familiar with is the instantly flammable battery charger.

Why isn’t anything simple anymore?

Tell me about it! I’m getting a man from the BSI in to help. The main problem is knowing which directives you have to work to.

Edit, I think there are some products that can’t be self certified (safety equipment?), but most still can be.

I think that for me BBA Certs will be of greater relevance than BSI, and as they can only offer me a 15-20k quote for testing without actually being able to tell me what they want to test or how. I feel the way forward is to look at what testing the product (roller shutters) currently has and what is translatable for the Brits to understand.
There must be some benefits to being in the EU, non?

To be honest, it’s not simple. It’s impossible to have a single ‘standard’ for every product, hence directives. The problem is knowing which directives apply.

This is what I’m finding and am now getting into the world of harmonized directives. And, of course, there is the need of producing paperwork and the associated revenues simply for the need.
What better way to spend a Saturday evening… 😕
I think the solution is to suck it and see, launch and then wait and see what problems are thrown at me by the building controllers and planning officers, I do have ISO9001 and certification for directive 89/106/CEE so not going blindly. So far they’ve been positive.

As mentioned, both BSI and TUV will send an ‘expert’ to advise, but with so many products and directives, you can’t be sure that the advise is totally correct, and there isn’t another directive lurking somewhere.

It now comes down to the question of which body the industry accepts, BSI, TUV, BBA Certs or the EU and their directives? Everything points to BBA Certs and CE and the ISO is a bit of added…
There are still hurdles and problems to come, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 😀

Cheers.