The CE keurmerk is one of the most recognizable markings on products in Europe. Whether you're a manufacturer, importer, or seller on bol.com, understanding what the CE mark entails is crucial. In this article, we'll explain everything about the CE marking - from the legal basis to the concrete application process, costs, and common mistakes that can cost sellers dearly.
What is the CE mark exactly?
CE stands for Conformité Européenne, meaning "European Conformity". With the CE mark, the manufacturer declares that a product meets the applicable EU requirements. CE is not an independent quality certification. Marking is mandatory only for products covered by harmonised EU rules that require it. Products outside those rules must not carry CE marking, although other product safety requirements may apply.
Check the requirements for your product in the official EU guidance on CE marking. It also explains when a declaration of conformity and an independent assessment are needed.
The CE mark applies in all countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), including the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This makes it a passport for the free movement of goods within the internal market. Also, check out our extensive article on CE certification for more background.
The difference between the CE mark and other marks
A common misconception is that the CE mark is similar to marks like the Kema-keur, TÜV, or the GS sign. This is not the case. Below is an overview of the main differences:
| Feature | CE mark | Kema-keur / TÜV / GS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mandatory legal marking | Voluntary quality mark |
| Issued by | Manufacturer itself (self-certification) or Notified Body | Independent testing body |
| Validity | Entire EEA (30+ countries) | Varies by mark |
| Required? | Yes, for designated product categories | No, voluntary |
| Focus | Safety, health, environment (minimum requirements) | Quality and safety (often higher standard) |
| Costs | €200 – €50,000+ depending on the product | €500 – €10,000+ per product |
| Control | Random sampling by market surveillance authorities | Periodic re-examination by the body |
The most important difference is that the CE mark is a legal minimum requirement, while other marks are voluntary additions that can provide extra confidence to consumers.
Which products need a CE mark?
Not every product needs a CE mark. The requirement only applies to products that fall under specific EU directives and regulations, the so-called New Approach directives. The main product categories are:
| Product category | EU directive | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Toys | 2009/48/EG | Plush toys, puzzles, building sets |
| Electrical equipment (low voltage) | 2014/35/EU (LVD) | Lamps, chargers, kitchen appliances |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | 2014/30/EU (EMC) | Computers, phones, audio equipment |
| Machinery | 2006/42/EG | Drilling machines, gardening tools |
| Personal protective equipment | Regulation 2016/425 | Safety helmets, work gloves |
| Medical devices | Regulation 2017/745 (MDR) | Blood pressure meters, thermometers |
| Construction products | Regulation 305/2011 | Insulation materials, doors, windows |
| Radio equipment | 2014/53/EU (RED) | Bluetooth speakers, wifi routers |
| Gas appliances | Regulation 2016/426 | Gas stoves, gas boilers |
| Pressure equipment | 2014/68/EU (PED) | Compressors, pressure vessels |
If you sell products on bol.com via Zoloo, always check if your product category falls under one of these directives. Are you in doubt? Consult the guide to applying for a CE certificate for a step-by-step check.
Responsibilities per role in the supply chain
EU legislation makes a clear distinction between the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, and distributors. As a bol.com seller, you are often an importer or distributor and therefore carry specific legal obligations.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer is primarily responsible for the CE marking. They must perform a conformity assessment, draw up a technical file, sign an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and affix the CE marking to the product. For products with a higher risk, an independent Notified Body must be involved.
Importer
If you import products from outside the EEA - for example, via Alibaba or other Chinese suppliers - you as the importer are responsible for ensuring that the manufacturer has complied with all CE requirements. You must ensure that the technical file is available to market surveillance authorities and that the product is correctly marked. If the manufacturer does not comply, you are liable.
Distributor (seller)
As a distributor or seller on bol.com, you must have sufficient knowledge of the CE requirements for the products you sell. You must be able to identify products that do not meet the requirements and be able to provide a statement from the manufacturer or importer. Selling products without a valid CE marking can result in fines, recall actions, and liability claims.
The CE application process in 6 steps
Obtaining a CE marking follows a structured process that consists of six steps. Below, we explain each step:
Step 1: Identify applicable directives
Determine which EU directives and harmonized standards (EN standards) apply to your product. A product can fall under multiple directives at the same time - an electronic toy car, for example, falls under both the Toy Directive and the EMC Directive and the RoHS Directive.
Step 2: Check specific requirements
Study the essential requirements described in the applicable directives. The harmonized standards (available via NEN) provide concrete specifications that your product must meet.
Step 3: Determine if a Notified Body is required
For many products, the manufacturer can perform the conformity assessment themselves (self-certification). For products with a higher risk - such as certain medical devices or pressure equipment - the involvement of a Notified Body is mandatory. Consult the NANDO database of the European Commission to find a suitable body.
Step 4: Test the product
Conduct the necessary tests to prove that your product meets all essential requirements. This can range from simple safety checks to extensive laboratory tests by an accredited test laboratory. Keep all test results carefully.
Step 5: Create the technical file
The technical file contains all documentation that demonstrates your product's compliance: technical drawings, test results, risk analyses, product descriptions, and a list of applied standards. This file must remain available for at least 10 years after the last production date.
Step 6: Conformity declaration and CE marking
Draw up an EU conformity declaration (DoC) and sign it. Then, affix the CE marking to the product, packaging, or accompanying documents. The CE logo must be at least 5 mm high and comply with the official graphic specifications.
Costs of the CE mark
The costs for obtaining a CE mark vary greatly, depending on the product type, complexity, and required tests. Below is an indication:
| Cost item | Indication | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Self-certification (simple product) | €200 – €2,000 | Own conformity assessment, no Notified Body needed |
| Laboratory tests (EMC/LVD) | €1,000 – €5,000 | Tests for electrical/electronic products |
| Notified Body assessment | €3,000 – €15,000 | Mandatory for higher-risk products |
| Creating the technical file | €500 – €5,000 | Depends on product complexity |
| Consultant/advisor | €1,000 – €10,000 | Optional, but recommended for complex products |
| Total (simple product) | €200 – €3,000 | Self-certification + basic tests |
| Total (complex product) | €5,000 – €50,000+ | Notified Body + extensive tests + consultant |
For bol.com sellers who import products, keep in mind: include these costs in your profit margin calculation. A product without a valid CE mark can be removed from the platform, making your entire investment worthless.
CE mark and selling on bol.com
Bol.com requires all products on the platform to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including CE marking where required. The platform is increasingly strict and works with the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) for enforcement. As a seller, you run the following risks if you offer products without a valid CE mark:
- Product removal: bol.com can take your listing offline without warning
- Account blocking: repeated violations can result in your sales account being suspended
- Fines: the NVWA can impose fines of up to €900,000 for companies
- Liability: in case of injury due to an unsafe product, you as the importer/seller are liable
- Recall action: you may be required to recall all sold products at your own expense
Use tools like the Zoloo Product Database to research which products are successful on bol.com, and always check the CE requirements before you start purchasing.
Common mistakes with the CE marking
In practice, many sellers and importers make the same mistakes. Here are the five most common pitfalls:
1. Confusing the CE certificate with the declaration of conformity
There's no official "CE certificate". What manufacturers sometimes call it is a test report from a laboratory. The declaration of conformity (DoC) is a separate document signed by the manufacturer. Never rely on just a test report - always demand the official DoC. Read more in our article about the CE certificate.
2. Blindly trusting Chinese suppliers
Many Chinese manufacturers provide a "CE certificate" that's actually worth little. Always check if the tests were performed by an accredited laboratory, if the right standards were tested, and if the declaration of conformity is correctly drawn up. As an importer, you are responsible, not the manufacturer.
3. Mistaking the China Export logo for CE
There's a logo that looks similar to the CE logo but means "China Export". The difference lies in the distance between the letters C and E - the real CE logo has more space. Always check if the logo meets the official EU specifications.
4. Not identifying all applicable directives
A product can fall under multiple EU directives. Many importers only test for one directive and forget about other applicable regulations. Always do a thorough analysis of all relevant directives before you start testing.
5. Not keeping a technical file
The technical file must remain available for 10 years. Many sellers don't keep the documents properly or update them when the product changes. This can be problematic during inspections by market surveillance authorities.
Product liability and the CE marking
The CE marking is closely linked to product liability. According to the European Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC), the manufacturer is liable for damage caused by a defective product. But if the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the liability shifts to the importer - and that's you as a bol.com seller importing products from outside the EEA.
A valid CE marking is no guarantee against liability, but it does show that you've taken reasonable steps to ensure the product's safety. Without the CE marking, you have virtually no defense against a liability claim. So, make sure you carefully store and keep up-to-date all documentation - declaration of conformity, test reports, technical file.
Practical tips for bol.com sellers
As a bol.com seller, you can take the following steps to avoid problems with the CE marking:
- Check before purchasing: research whether the product is subject to CE requirements before placing an order with your supplier
- Request documents: always demand the Declaration of Conformity (DoC), test reports, and the manufacturer's technical file
- Verify documents: check if the tests were performed by an accredited laboratory and if the correct standards were tested
- Store everything digitally: save all documentation in a structured digital archive that you keep for at least 10 years
- Monitor changes: if the manufacturer changes the product, the conformity assessment must be repeated
- Use product research tools: with the Zoloo Product Tracker, you can track your products and their performance on bol.com
Frequently asked questions about the CE mark
Is the CE mark mandatory for all products?
No, only for products that fall under specific EU directives. Products such as clothing, furniture (without electrical components), and food usually do not fall under CE requirements, although they may be subject to other regulations.
Can I apply for a CE mark myself?
For many product categories, the manufacturer can perform a self-certification (self-declaration of conformity). For products with higher risks, a Notified Body is required. As an importer, you cannot apply for the CE mark yourself - that is the responsibility of the manufacturer.
How long is a CE mark valid?
The CE mark has no expiration date, but it is linked to a specific product version. If the design, materials, or production process change, the conformity assessment must be repeated. Also, when applicable standards change, re-evaluation may be necessary.
What happens if my product does not have a CE mark but needs one?
Placing a CE-required product on the market without the mark is a violation of European legislation. In the Netherlands, the NVWA can enforce this with fines, product recalls, and even criminal prosecution in case of serious violations.
What does it cost to get a CE mark?
Costs vary from €200 for simple self-certification to over €50,000 for complex medical devices. Most consumer products sold on bol.com fall in the range of €500 to €5,000 in total costs.
Is there a difference between CE marking and CE certificate?
Yes. The CE marking is the logo applied to the product. A "CE certificate" does not officially exist - what is often referred to as such is usually a test report. The official document is the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), which is drawn up and signed by the manufacturer.