CE Conformity, Directives and Standards
KeTop T50VGA
138
User's Manual, Version: 1.3
© KEBA 2007
14 CE Conformity, Directives and Standards
14.1 European Union Directives
It is a fundamental goal of the European Union to create an internal market
within Europe and, linked to this, the dismantling of trade barriers.
In order to achieve this goal, the European Treaties guarantee “four free-
doms“:
z
Free trade in goods
z
Right of establishment
z
Free exchange of goods and services
z
Free movement of capital
Free trade in goods means that quantitative import restrictions on goods
are prohibited between the member states.
Goods that are hazardous to the safety of people or the environment are
excluded. Such products can be disallowed by member states in their sov-
ereign territory.
In order that free trade may also be guaranteed for these products, the na-
tional safety regulations of the member states are harmonised by means of
European Union Directives.
These Directives exist for a range of product classes, such as machinery,
medical products and toys. However, Directives have also been compiled
for further common product safety aspects, such as protection from electric-
ity and explosion, and electromagnetic compatibility.
The Directives are aimed at the member states, whose task is to convert
them into national law. The Directives therefore have legal character.
CE marking certifies that the manufacturer fulfils all obligations in relation to
the product on the basis of the EC Directives.
The CE mark is the “passport” within the EC and is defined on behalf of the
supervisory authorities.
Additionally independent, accredited notified bodies can be commissioned
to carry out an EC type-examination and draw up a certificate.
It is not, however, a safety mark or mark of conformity, which can only be
awarded by independent testing agencies.