The Passport to Open the European Market – CE Certification

Today, in the international market, CE marking is mandatory for manufacturers who wish to export to the European Union (EU) market. The CE mark, or European Conformity (Conformité Européenne), is more than a supplementary label, or a voluntary mark, but a mandatory safety approval attesting to a product’s compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

What is CE Certification?

The CE certification is a sign of compliance of the product and is the passport of the manufacturer to market the products of one nation to another without any restrictions in the EU market. EU-made products or products imported from other countries, applying the CE mark, are obligatory for their distribution within the EU market. The marking ensures that the product meets the EU technical requirements, particularly safety and harmonization requirements.

What Products Need CE Certification?

Many product groups require the CE marking to be marketed in Europe. They include:

• Electrical and Electronic Products: Household appliances, IT products, lighting devices (must meet the Low Voltage Directive, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, etc.).
• Machinery and Equipment: Lifting devices, mechanical equipment (must meet the Machinery Directive).
• Personal Protective Equipment: Helmets, gloves (must meet the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation).
• Medical Devices: Pacemakers to Band-Aids (highly regulated under the MDR or IVDR).
• Toys: Must meet the Toy Safety Directive’s high level of safety and chemical requirements.
• Construction Products: Such as pressure equipment and gas appliances.

Core Standards and Testing Requirements for Ceramic Wash Basins

Ceramic wash basins are required to meet the Harmonized Standards, specifically EN 14688: Sanitary Appliances – Wash Basins. The key tests include:

Mechanical Properties:

• Static Load Strength: ≥1.1kN (approx. 112kg) – no rupture.

Chemical Safety:

Lead and Cadmium Dissolved Amount (Glaze):

• Lead ≤ 0.2 mg/L
• Cadmium ≤ 0.07 mg/L

Thermal Stability:

• Cracking Resistance to Hot and Cold Cycling: 100 cycles without cracking.

Surface Quality:

• Glaze Wear/Chemical Resistance: No visible corrosion after hydrochloric acid immersion.

The CE Certification Process in Four Steps

For ceramic wash basins, which are classified as low-risk products, Module A (internal production control) applies. This means the manufacturer can carry out the process independently. The steps are as follows:

• Benchmarking Standards:
  Ensure the product complies completely with EN 14688. Place an order for testing with an EU-approved testing laboratory (e.g., SGS, TÜV) to receive the test report.
• Set Technical Documentation (TDF):
  The TDF shall include product design, manufacturing drawings, risk analysis reports, test reports (e.g., EMC tests, safety tests), a draft Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and user manuals. The TDF shall be kept for at least 10 years.
• Signature of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC):
  The DoC must be signed by the legal representative of the company, confirming that the product meets CE Certification and EN 14688. The DoC must include information regarding the product, standard, and company.
• Mark the CE Mark:
  The CE mark must be legible on the product or on the packaging (min. height 5mm). It must be irreversibly fixed, not adhesive stickers.

Why is CE Certification Important?

The CE mark is not a certificate, but signifies conformity to the EU mechanism of assuring compliance throughout the lifetime of a product. As the EU adopts more stringent regulations, e.g., new green policy and battery directives, businesses that go through CE Certification will be more competitive in the world market and have long-term exports.

For third-world manufacturers outside the EU, it takes more than just being within the law to acquire the CE mark. It is a commitment towards safety, responsibility, and environmental protection. For the consumer to generate respect and trust in the EU market, CE Certification is the foundation.

Hanyu’s Commitment to Quality and CE Certification

At Guangdong Hanyu Ceramic Technology Co., Ltd., we are pleased to inform that our ceramic wash basins have obtained CE certification, ensuring top safety and performance. With our emphasis on innovation and quality, Hanyu is able to continue supplying products that satisfy the most stringent international standards, including CE certification and beyond.

For information on our CE-authorized ceramic wash basins or to contact us, we would welcome you to get in touch. We are ready to guide you through the complex regulatory landscape and aid in placing compliant products onto the European market.