Ce Marking

[OnOff]

Just read elsewhere that the "CE" mark on products now stands for "Chinese Export" ! 

Not heard that one before!

 

[steptoe]

:shakehead

do you ever read any of the threads on here?

:C

 

[ProDave]

I have never regarded the CE mark as having any real standing. Anyone can put a CE mark on anything, and it's only trading standards that can investigate or enforce infringements, And they don't usually know their rse from their elbow.

 

[OnOff]

:shakehead

do you ever read any of the threads on here?

:C

Whoops! Obviously not that particular thread!  :coat

 

[Sidewinder]

PD,

Not quite, HSE, HMRC & the FRS can also investigate, along with the DTI.

 

[OnOff]

I have previous experience of getting imported machinery (in this case from New Zealand) CE marked. Basically it's done in accordance with The Machinery Directive. It involves lodging a Technical File with an Approved Body - who then hold it for 10 years (not sure what happens then as the 10 years isn't up yet). In my case we had to have a Certificate Of Conformity from the NZ makers stating compliance with EN standards etc. We paid just short of £1K to Plant Safety up in Manchester. They were very helpful. When I made some later mods to the kit I simply sent them updated paperwork and they "lodged" it in the Technical File. Gets a bit more tricky if the finished product incorporates elements that are already CE marked and bits that aren't.........you end up with Certificates of Incorporation etc. TBH it's pretty easy to do it properly.

On the other side of the coin I HAVE though known it that a company say go through the process for one product, let's say as a fictitious example an RCD and they can therefore legitimately CE mark that. When they then start importing say RCBO's though they simply CE mark them as they're the same brand. Naughty! In the event of an incident there'll be NO Technical File!

Funnily enough...........the same NZ company (they're no longer exporting to the UK) now get a lot of their stuff made in CHINA!

 

[Sidewinder]

You don't need to compile the technical file until it is requested TBH.

However, if it is not done when the equipment is designed/manufactured then there could be issues later.

Also, it i not just the MD, there are other "new approach" directives that must be considered for example the LVD.

A certificate of incorporation makes the process easier really, and, there should be nothing these days that is not CE marked anyway, if it is required so everything should be supplied with either a DOC or a COI.

 

[OnOff]

You don't need to compile the technical file until it is requested TBH.

However, if it is not done when the equipment is designed/manufactured then there could be issues later.

Also, it i not just the MD, there are other "new approach" directives that must be considered for example the LVD.

A certificate of incorporation makes the process easier really, and, there should be nothing these days that is not CE marked anyway, if it is required so everything should be supplied with either a DOC or a COI.

I disagree in that I read it that you DO have to compile the Technical File beforehand. Maybe this only applies to machinery? Correct me if I'm wrong please:

"As manufacturer you, or if from outside the EU your appointed authorised representative, must compile a technical file for each product you place on the market"

http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/technical-file.htm

 

[steptoe]

yes, but you do not need to lodge it

 

[Sidewinder]

Yes  you do have to complete it and provide it as required, but you do not have to lodge it unless it is an Annexe 4 machine, if you are simply dealing with the MD and nothing else, which would be difficult TBH.

BTW, yes I have done this before also for non Annexe 4, Annexe 4 and equipment with COI's as well as DOC's for global blue chip organisations as well as myself.

 

[OnOff]

I'm sure we DID have to lodge beforehand in our case as the kit in question incorporates a number of safety systems against falling objects. Think it was 2004 I did it.

 

[binky]

CE marking is another classic of 'self regulation' a bit meaningless. genuine companies making genuine products to comply with regs do it properly. 3rd world manufacturers, who are good at spring rolls, with no scruples just 'stick it on'. Afore mentioned spring roll country really needs taking to court on a range of issues. like non-compliance with regs, H&S, environmental issues, patent protection, copyright protection, itellectual property rights, and no doubt a few things I can't think of. See how competitive the buggers are then! We might get some jobs back aswell.

 

[Andy™]

Just read elsewhere that the "CE" mark on products now stands for "Chinese Export" ! 

Not heard that one before!

can also be chinese equipment