What is the CE Marking?
When you start selling products online, you want to make sure your customers know that your items meet European safety, health, and environmental standards. A CE marking is proof of that. But a CE certificate is not just 'good for marketing'. For many products, it's actually required! Think of toys, for example. You wouldn't want to sell unsafe children's products (with all the consequences that come with it).
CE stands for 'Conformite European', based on European requirements and guidelines. A CE marking for your products on bol.com is not a luxury, but often a necessity. Below, you'll find out which products always need a CE certificate and how it works.
Which products need a CE marking?
There's an extensive list of items that must meet CE requirements. This includes construction products, for instance. Looking at products relevant to your bol.com business, the following apply:
- Toys
- Personal protective equipment
- Electrical, electronic, and energy-related items
- Medical devices (note: these often have additional guidelines)
- Measuring and weighing equipment
- Machines and related items
- Means of transport (like an electric scooter)
Always check if a product must comply with CE guidelines before you start selling it. Are you unsure? Or do you doubt whether the product actually meets the requirements? Read on!
Applying for a CE certificate: how does it work?
If a CE marking is required for the product you want to sell on bol.com, it's essential to check with your supplier if the product meets the requirements. Of course, you can only get a CE certificate if the product actually complies. Consider hiring a specialist in legislation and online sales to ensure you're doing everything correctly. At Boloo, we work with Instrux, a party specialized in CE marking for products on bol.com.
One way to work with a specialized party is to have them look up the CE guidelines for your product. This often complicated and time-consuming process can be skipped. If Instrux determines that your product needs a CE certificate and which CE guidelines apply, they'll guide you through the process to get the CE marking for your product!
Follow these steps for a watertight CE certificate
(on your own or with the help of a specialized agency)
- Check if the product you want to sell requires a CE certification
To do this, you'll research the different guidelines or consult a specialist directly - Request the relevant documentation from your supplier
Now that you know what requirements the product must meet, you'll contact the supplier to ask if the product actually meets these guidelines. Specify which requirements are being made and ask - if the supplier confirms that the product is suitable - for the accompanying documentation that confirms this. Check this documentation carefully to ensure it meets the guidelines. - Verify the authenticity of the documentation
Since you, as the seller, will ultimately be responsible for the product's safety, you want to make sure the supplier's promises are true. The supplier will likely provide you with a test report and a certificate. You'll verify the authenticity by checking if the unique numbers on both documents can be linked. Given the importance of this step - and because it's a complex process for entrepreneurs - this is also a good time to ask a CE marking specialist, such as Instrux, for help. Of course, you can also outsource this process from step 1. - Check the content of the documentation
After verifying the authenticity of the documentation, it's crucial to check the content. Suppliers may use outdated or incorrect standards to cut costs. It's your responsibility to verify that everything is correct and up-to-date. - Draw up the declaration of conformity / have the declaration of conformity drawn up
Has all the documentation been checked and is it correct? Then it's time for the declaration of conformity. With this document, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the product. It's essential that you're sure everything is in order. Only then do you have a correct CE certification.
The costs of applying for a CE mark
Do you want the security of a specialized party and want to save yourself a lot of hassle? Then Boloo's partnership with Instrux is ideal for you. You can have a declaration of conformity drawn up - based on the documents you provide - for just €25. For checking the correct standards and guidelines, you can start from €150.
Meeting all the requirements for a CE mark on your bol.com products might seem like 'a lot'. If you choose to outsource the process, it's actually quite manageable! Additionally, be aware that having the right documentation is an essential foundation for a successful e-commerce business.
