CE Authorized Representative

CE marking is the manufacturer’s declaration that a product meets the applicable European Union requirements. It is not a mark of origin, general approval issued by the EU, or a commercial certificate that can be purchased. The [European Commission](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/ce-marking/manufacturers_en) confirms that conformity assessment, technical documentation, and the EU declaration of conformity are primarily the manufacturer’s responsibility.

Only products covered by one or more European acts that require the marking must bear it. These include certain machinery, electrical or radio equipment, toys, personal protective equipment, gas appliances, and other regulated categories. A product outside the scope of those acts must not be CE marked merely to reassure a customer.

Not in every case. The requirement and the tasks that may be delegated depend on the applicable sector legislation and the possible presence of another EU-established economic operator, such as an importer. Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 nevertheless requires an EU-established economic operator to perform the tasks in Article 4 for the product categories listed in that Regulation.

A CE authorised representative acts under a written mandate within the harmonisation legislation applicable to the product. A GPSR responsible person meets general product safety requirements and performs the tasks established by the GPSR. The same organisation may sometimes perform both roles, but each scope must be assessed separately: appointing one does not automatically prove that the other role is covered.

The mandate may provide for keeping the EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation available, responding to reasoned requests from authorities, and cooperating on action to eliminate product risks. The precise tasks vary according to the applicable regulation or directive. They must be recorded clearly in writing for each product or product family.

No, not merely because it is the authorised representative. It is neither a notified body nor a testing laboratory and does not issue a “CE certificate.” Where the applicable legislation requires a notified body, it must be selected under the prescribed procedure and can be found in the official NANDO database.

The file depends on the product category but generally includes identification of the product and manufacturer, analysis of the applicable requirements, risk assessment, relevant drawings or specifications, test reports, instructions, labelling, and the EU declaration of conformity. A collection of component certificates does not, by itself, demonstrate conformity of the finished product.

CE marking must generally be visible, legible, and indelibly affixed to the product. Where the nature of the product does not allow this, the applicable act may permit it to appear on the packaging and accompanying documents. Details of the manufacturer, importer, authorised representative, or responsible economic operator are governed by separate rules that must be checked for the relevant product category.

Many acts require records to be retained for at least ten years after the product is placed on the market, but some legislation sets a different period. The applicable period must therefore be confirmed in the sector-specific act and reflected in the mandate. The documentation and declaration must also be updated when the product, applicable rules, or other essential information changes.

The first step is to identify the product, applicable legislation, roles in the supply chain, and tasks that may legally be delegated. This is followed by document review, resolution of gaps, formal acceptance of the scope, and signature of the mandate. The engagement begins only under the agreed conditions and does not transfer the manufacturer’s design, manufacturing, and conformity-assessment obligations to the authorised representative.