Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about CE marking and NEN 3140. Do you have a question that is not answered here? Please contact us.
General information about CE marking
What is CE marking?
CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for products placed on the market within the European Economic Area (EEA). It indicates that a product complies with the applicable European safety, health, and environmental requirements.
Who is responsible for CE marking?
The manufacturer is primarily responsible for CE marking. If you import products from countries outside the EU, you, as the importer, are considered the responsible party and must ensure that the product is correctly marked.
Which products require CE marking?
Products that fall under one or more EU directives, such as machinery, electrical appliances, medical devices, toys, personal protective equipment, and many other product categories.
Is CE marking the same as a quality mark?
No, CE marking is not a quality mark but a legally required declaration of conformity. It indicates that the manufacturer declares that the product complies with the applicable EU legislation.
Technical file and documentation
What is a technical CE file?
A technical file is a collection of documents that demonstrates your product complies with the relevant EU directives. It includes, among other things, product descriptions, risk analyses, test results, user manuals, and declarations of conformity.
How long do I need to keep the technical file?
As a rule, the technical file must be kept for 10 years after the last product has been placed on the market.
What is a Declaration of Conformity (DoC)?
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) or EU Declaration of Conformity is a document by which the manufacturer declares that the product complies with all relevant EU directives and any applied (harmonized) standards. This document is mandatory and must be supplied with the product. Each Directive specifies how it should be provided; sometimes it must be physically included with the product, and other Directives indicate that the DoC must exist but do not mention providing it. In any case, simply including it or incorporating the DoC into the user manual saves a lot of hassle.
Procedures and certification
Do I always need external certification?
No, for most products you can carry out the conformity assessment yourself (self-certification = module A). For (high) risk products, a Notified Body is required; this applies to products like chainsaws, band saws, and other high-risk products. Each Directive specifies how this works, but most products placed on the market fall under 'self-certification'.
What are the steps for CE marking?
1. Determine which Directives/Regulations apply
2. Identify the relevant harmonized standards
3. Perform a risk analysis
4. Test the product according to the standards
5. Compile the technical file
6. Create an EU Declaration of Conformity
7. Affix the CE marking to the product
What does CE marking cost?
Costs vary greatly depending on the product type, complexity, and whether external certification is required. Often, various documentation, tests, risk analyses, etc., are already available, so you don't have to start from scratch. For a price indication, please contact us.
NEN 3140 and electrical safety
What is NEN 3140?
NEN 3140 is the Dutch standard for periodic inspection of electrical installations and appliances. It describes the requirements for the safe use of electrical equipment in work environments.
Who is allowed to perform NEN 3140 inspections?
Inspections may only be carried out by a Sufficiently Instructed Person (VOP), Skilled Person (VP), Installation Manager (IV), or Work Manager (WV). They must have received instruction or a course for this and be designated by the employer. Our e-learning Electrical Appliance Inspection meets these criteria.
How often should I have electrical appliances inspected?
The inspection frequency depends on the type of appliance, the work environment, the level of 'expertise' of the person, etc. NEN 3140 includes a table which is also available somewhere on our site. In practice, we don't see that this offers much solace; you almost always end up with once a year. If in doubt, you can check this table.
Training and education
Do you offer e-learning modules?
Yes, we offer various e-learning modules on CE marking, NEN 3140, ATEX, inspection of lifting equipment, and other compliance topics. View our full range in the webshop.
Will I receive a certificate after completing an e-learning?
Yes, upon successful completion of an e-learning module, you will receive a certificate that you can use as proof of your knowledge and skills.
Are the e-learning modules also suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Our modules are designed for different levels, from beginners to advanced. Each module clearly indicates the level for which it is suitable.
More questions? Please contact us.