Chinese web shops are still very attractive to consumers, not only AliExpress is getting more European customers, Temu is also increasing in popularity. The products are cheap and of mediocre quality. But beware, some products do not always meet the official CE mark.
The CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for electronic products sold in the EU. The marking indicates that they comply with European health, safety and environmental legislation. It shows that the product complies with all relevant EU directives and can be traded freely on the European market. But is a CE marking always the EU version?
Importance of CE marking
CE stands for Conformité Européenne, loosely translated: approved according to EU guidelines. The CE mark is important because it indicates that a product complies with the health, safety and environmental regulations of the European Union, protecting consumers and users from potential hazards.
By having the CE mark, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products meet the strict standards set by EU legislation. This increases consumer confidence in the quality and safety of the products they purchase. In addition, a CE marking is an official statement from the manufacturer because it indicates that the product meets all relevant requirements established in the applicable European laws and regulations.
This declaration is issued by the manufacturer after careful evaluation and conformity assessment of the product in accordance with applicable standards and procedures. The CE marking acts as a legally binding document proving that the manufacturer has taken all necessary steps to comply with legal requirements and that the product can be traded freely on the European market. Therefore, the CE marking is considered an official confirmation of the manufacturer’s responsibility for the safety and conformity of the product.
Non-compliance with the CE marking can lead to legal and economic consequences, including fines and trade restrictions, which can damage companies’ reputations.
Conformité Européenne or China Export
However, the question remains: are all CE markings the EU version? In the beginning I also assumed that when you saw the CE marking on a device, it was official and had the approval of the European Union, but unfortunately. CE can also stand for China Export and is barely distinguishable from the official quality mark.
What is China Export?
In some cases, “CE” is also found on (counterfeit) products from China, but then it does not stand for Conformité Européenne, but for “China Export”. This use of “CE” by Chinese manufacturers is often intended to give the impression that the product complies with European standards and can be confused with the real CE marking.
The use of “CE” on products from China as “China Export” is not in accordance with European law and may mislead consumers. This can be a problem, especially as the CE marking is an important indicator of compliance with European regulations and the safety of the product.
So it is crucial for consumers to pay close attention to the validity and authenticity of the CE marking on products they purchase. A product that has not been approved by the EU can also cause problems, such as a charger that can damage your device or, in the worst case, overheat.
Check authenticity of CE markings
If you want to check the authenticity of a CE marking, you can easily do this as a consumer. However, this is only possible once you actually have the product in your hands. Of course you can ask a seller or manufacturer for official supporting documents and statements, but in practice this is not feasible.
Fortunately, you can examine the CE marking yourself. The real CE marking must meet specific requirements, such as the correct font, dimensions, and placement on the product. If the marking looks unusual or does not meet these requirements, this may be an indication that it is not authentic.
Differences CE marking
In the image below you can see the difference between the official CE mark and the China Export logo. What is immediately noticeable is that in China Export the letters are closer together. The official marking must complete the circle on the inside of the C and only begin there the E.
China Export is fake
Is the CE marking incorrect? Then it is best not to use this product. This is most likely not approved and may contain harmful substances or components. Manufacturers who use the official CE logo, but are not entitled to it, can count on high fines and will not simply be used. Unfortunately, the China Export logo can be added without inspection.
The European Commission, together with national authorities, is responsible for ensuring that all goods sold within Europe bear the official CE marking. If an importer suspects that the CE marking of a particular product is fake, he must report it. There are various measures, procedures and sanctions to prevent falsification of CE markings.