How should the marking look?
The three elements as set out above should be presented in sequence from left to right. The colours are not specified but the marking must be
visible, legible and indelible. The intials "CE" will always be present at the beginning of the marking. The presence of the other elements will depend on the circumstances. If one or more notified
bodies have been involved in any part of the compliance process then their respective number(s) must follow the "CE". The notified body number(s) must always have four digits even where the leading digits are
"0". If a finished product includes a module bearing one notified body number and the finished product is assessed by a different notified body then both numbers must appear on the finished product after the
"CE". Similarly, if one notified body assesses health & safety compliance and a different notified body assesses spectrum compliance, both numbers must appear on the finished product. A further example
might be where another applicable directive (such as the toys directive) has involved notified body assessment and a different notified body is consulted for the R&TTE directive. After the notified body
number(s) or directly after the "CE" if no notified body is involved comes the "alert symbol" (also called the "alert sign" or "alert mark") for equipment in Class 2 – no further marking is required for
equipment in Class 1.
Where should the marking appear?"
The directive requires the marking to be fixed to the product itself or to its data plate. The marking does not have to visible in normal use but
it should be accessible to the user without the need to use tools – for example it often appears in the battery compartment of a mobile phone. IN ADDITION the marking must be reproduced on the packaging
AND accompanying documents. The word "documents" is in the plural in the legal texts and so strictly interpreted every accompanying document should carry the marking. However, it is unlikely that and
market surveillance authority would apply the strict interpretation if the marking is clearly applied to the key documents such as the user instructions and / or declaration of conformity.
How big should the marking be – what if it will not fit?
All elements of the marking must have a minimum height of 5mm. It is recognised that some equipment may too small to mark accordingly or may have
its function in some way impaired by the presence of such marking. In such cases the marking on the product may be reduced in size provided it remains visible etc or may be omitted altogether provided it is
present on the packaging and documentation. However, it is not accepted that marking may be omitted or otherwise non-compliant just because of its visual impact on the equipment.
What about equipment with multiple parts?
In principle, equipment requires only one CE mark no matter how many parts it is in. However, this can be confusing for users and surveillance
authorities. For example, a Bluetooth® headset that is sold in a single package with a USB dongle requires only one mark as an ensemble but if the headset and the dongle are intended to be used separately
with other devices as well as in combination as supplied then they should be separately marked. If parts are intended to be used exclusively one with another then this should be made clear in user
information. Parts which have no useful application other than as part of the ensemble with which they are supplied do not require marking unless they are also available separately and would be covered by the
directive (or another directive) in their own right. Where parts are separately marked, the marking on the different parts may differ – for example it would not be sensible to put the Alert Symbol on the
power supply for Class 2 equipment.
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