CE Marking.

The CE marking on a product shows that it has passed conformity checks under the European Accessibility Act. It is the manufacturer's statement that the product meets all accessibility requirements and other EU laws.

According to the EAA, "by adding the CE marking to a product, the manufacturer states that the product follows all applicable accessibility requirements and that they take full responsibility for this."

Products covered by the EAA need the CE marking to move freely within the European market. The mark helps authorities and customers see that the product follows EU accessibility laws.

Article 17 of the EAA states that the CE marking follows the general principles in Article 30 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008. These principles include:

• Only the manufacturer or their authorized representative can add the CE marking.
• The CE marking can only be added to products when specific EU laws require it.
• By adding the CE marking, the manufacturer shows they take full responsibility for the product meeting all requirements.
• The CE marking is the only mark that shows the product meets the applicable requirements.
• EU countries must ensure the CE marking is used correctly and take action when it is misused.

The CE marking is directly connected to the conformity assessment procedure for products under the EAA:

• The manufacturer must first conduct a conformity assessment using the Internal production control (Module A) in Annex IV of the EAA.
• The manufacturer must prepare technical documentation showing that the product meets accessibility requirements.
• After confirming compliance, the manufacturer creates the EU Declaration of Conformity.
• Only after completing these steps can the manufacturer add the CE marking.

This sequence ensures that the CE marking represents a thorough assessment process, not just an administrative label.

EU Member States play an important role in ensuring the proper use of the CE marking:

• Member States must use existing systems to ensure correct application of the CE marking rules.
• They must take appropriate action when the marking is misused.
• Market surveillance authorities check that products with the CE marking truly comply with the requirements.
• Penalties may be imposed for improper use of the CE marking, including removing non-compliant products from the market.

This enforcement system helps maintain the integrity and credibility of the CE marking across the European Union.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the CE marking provides important information for consumers:

• It clearly shows that a product meets accessibility requirements, helping people with disabilities make informed purchasing decisions.
• The EAA notes that manufacturers should inform consumers about the accessibility of their products in a cost-effective way.
• The CE marking, combined with accessibility information, helps create transparency in the market.
• This transparency supports the EAA's goal of improving the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services.