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How to Obtain CE Certification for Electronic Products — A Complete Practical Step-by-Step Guide
1 Confirm Applicable Directives and Test Standards
The first step in CE certification is accurately identifying the applicable EU directives and harmonized standards for your product.
| Product Type | Directives | Main Test Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Power Adapter/Charger | LVD + EMC + ErP | EN 62368-1 / EN 55032 / EN 2019/1782 |
| Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Device | RED (incl. LVD+EMC) | EN 301 489 / EN 300 328 / EN 62368-1 |
| General IT Equipment | LVD + EMC | EN 62368-1 / EN 55032 / EN 55035 |
| Household Appliance | LVD + EMC + ErP | EN 60335-1 / EN 55014-1/2 |
Tip: If the product has wireless functionality (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.), RED 2014/53/EU applies. RED already integrates LVD and EMC requirements, but separate test reports are still required.
2 Prepare the Technical File
The Technical File is the core of CE certification and the primary document requested during EU market surveillance. It must be kept for at least 10 years after the product is placed on the market.
A. Product Technical Documentation
• Product user manual (with safety warnings)
• Circuit schematic (Schematic Diagram)
• PCB layout (Layout)
• Bill of Materials (BOM) with key component certificates
• Product structure diagram and exploded view
• Product specification sheet
B. Risk Assessment and Test Data
• Risk assessment report
• LVD test report (EN 62368-1, etc.)
• EMC test report (EN 55032, EN 55035, etc.)
• RED test report (if applicable)
C. Draft EU Declaration of Conformity
Prepare a draft DoC to be formally signed after all tests pass.
3 Submit Samples for Testing
Send samples to a laboratory with CNAS/CMA accreditation (Chinese labs are acceptable; test reports are recognized in the EU through ILAC mutual recognition).
Sample Quantity Reference
• LVD testing: typically 2–3 finished units
• EMC testing: typically 2–3 finished units
• RED testing: typically 2–3 finished units (wireless products)
Testing Timeline
• LVD testing: 1–2 weeks
• EMC testing: 1–2 weeks
• LVD + EMC in parallel: ~2–4 weeks total
If Tests Fail
Remediation is required (typically insulation design improvement, EMI filter optimization, grounding adjustment). Modified samples must be re-submitted for testing.
4 Sign EU Declaration of Conformity and Affix CE Mark
After all tests pass, the manufacturer (or EU Authorized Representative) signs the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
DoC Must Include
- Manufacturer name and full address
- Product model and name
- List of applicable EU directives
- Technical standards applied
- Place, date, and name/title of the person signing
After signing the DoC, the CE mark can be affixed to the product, packaging, and user manual. The CE mark must be clearly visible, legible, and indelible, with a height of at least 5 mm.
Note: If the manufacturer is not established in the EU, an EU Authorized Representative must be appointed. Their name and address may need to appear on the product label or packaging (depending on directive requirements).
5 Obtain Test Report and Certification Services
After CE testing is completed, the laboratory issues the formal test report. Depending on target market requirements:
- EU CE: Test report + Declaration of Conformity (DoC) — no certificate required
- Voluntary certificate: A third-party voluntary CE certificate can be obtained to enhance buyer confidence
For more CE certification services, visit GTG Group.
Common Questions
Q: How long does CE certification take, and what is the typical cost?
LVD + EMC parallel testing typically completes in 2–4 weeks. Cost varies by product type, test scope, and lab selection. Request a quote from an accredited lab.
Q: Can multiple models be covered under one CE certification?
Yes. If multiple models share the same electrical design, key components, internal structure, and enclosure material, series model coverage can be applied for. A representative model is selected for testing, significantly reducing certification cost and time.
Q: Can CB report accelerate CE certification?
Yes. A CB report (based on IEC 62368-1) is highly aligned with EN 62368-1. Having a CB report can significantly reduce LVD retesting. However, EMC testing still needs to be performed to EN standards due to differences in EMC limits across regions.
This article is generated with AI assistance. Content is for reference only and does not constitute any certification commitment or legal advice.
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