One of the objectives of the European Union (EU) is the realization of an internal (single) market: a market in which products can be traded freely without any trade restrictions. The adoption of harmonized European product legislation and the CE Marking offer manufacturers and exporters great advantages by eliminating different national product regulations among members of the European Union and the signatory states of the European Economic Area Agreement.
This new European legislation has far-reaching consequences for industry both within and outside the EEA. Manufacturers and exporters are now confronted by new health and safety requirements for their products. They must comply with mandatory EU regulations, carry out associated procedures, and develop a system for complying with health and safety requirements and for documentation.
Products that do not carry the CE marking and are not in compliance with the directives, may be restricted, prohibited from sale or forced to withdraw from the European market. Manufacturers and authorized representatives or anyone responsible for placing products on the European market can be held personally liable for damages or injury.
