Free movement of goods and CE marking
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The European Union's internal market allows for the free movement of goods within the European Economic Area (EEA).
This means that end users and businesses may freely buy and sell goods on this market.
In the context of the EEA market, the free movement of safe products that comply with EU legislation is one of the cornerstones of the European Union.
The free movement of goods is governed by:
- the harmonisation of technical regulations at European level; and
- the 'mutual recognition' principle, when there is no harmonised legislation.
The 'mutual recognition' principle establishes that goods that are lawfully marketed in one Member State may be marketed in all of the others, unless it jeopardises overriding requirements of public interest – in particular, the health and safety of persons.
Some products, which represent the majority of intra-community trade, are subject to technical harmonisation at European level. Technical harmonisation is achieved through directives or regulations, some of which require the CE marking, with which businesses prove that their products are in compliance with the requirements of the laws, particularly on health and safety. This marking, which is mandatory for certain products, allows these products to move freely throughout the EEA.
Who is concerned
Goods manufacturers.
How to proceed
Definition of CE marking
The CE marking was created as part of the European legislation on technical harmonisation. It is mandatory for all products covered by one or more European legislative acts – such as directives, regulations or court rulings – that stipulate it explicitly. It is prohibited for products that are not covered by these acts.
It entitles the products in question to move freely throughout the EEA.
Affixing the CE marking
To affix the CE marking on your product, you must perform, or have another party perform, inspections and tests that ensure that the product is in compliance with the essential requirements – particularly those related to health and safety – as outlined in the applicable directive or directives.
The CE marking is neither a certification mark, nor an indication of the product's geographic origin. This mandatory marking is regulatory, and is a visible sign of your commitment to ensuring that the product adheres to European legislation.
Who to contact
ILNAS - Department of Market Surveillance
- Address:
- 1, avenue du Swing - Southlane Tower 1 L-4367 Belvaux Luxembourg
- Phone:
- (+352) 24 77 43 00
- Email address:
- surveillance@ilnas.etat.lu
Related procedures and links
Liens
Legal references
-
Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008
setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products
-
Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019
on market surveillance and compliance of products
