CE vs China Export: Know the Difference

If you import products from China to sell on bol.com or another European marketplace, you'll inevitably come across the CE or China Export dilemma. The two logos look similar, but their meaning and legal implications are completely different. In this in-depth article, we'll explain exactly what the difference is, how to recognize them, and what steps you need to take as an online entrepreneur to avoid legal issues.

What is CE marking?

CE stands for Conformité Européenne, or European conformity. A product with a CE marking meets the relevant European guidelines for safety, health, and environmental protection. It's a legal requirement for many product categories before they can be sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The CE marking is not a quality mark in the classical sense. It's a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all applicable EU legislation. The manufacturer or importer is responsible for creating a technical file, performing a conformity assessment, and applying the CE marking. For certain product categories, such as medical devices or personal protective equipment, an independent assessment by a Notified Body is required.

What is the China Export label?

The China Export label, often abbreviated as “CE” but with a slightly different logo, only indicates that a product was manufactured in China. It has no relation to European safety standards or guidelines. There are no quality requirements or tests associated with it - it's simply a country of origin label.

The problem is that many suppliers on platforms like Alibaba and 1688 claim their products are “CE certified”, when in fact they have the China Export label. This is a common misconception that can have serious consequences for online sellers who import products without knowing the difference.

CE or China Export: recognizing visual differences

The visual difference between the genuine CE marking and the China Export label is subtle but measurable. Below, you'll find the key characteristics that help you tell them apart:

Characteristic	CE marking (European)	China Export
Letter spacing	Letters ‘C’ and ‘E’ are clearly separated	Letters are close together, almost overlapping
Middle line ‘E’	The middle line of the E is shorter	All lines of the E are the same length
Rounded shape ‘C’	Semi-circle with exact proportions (normalized)	Irregular shape, not normalized
Minimum height	Minimum 5 mm (unless technically impossible)	No fixed dimensions
Legal status	Legally required for many EU product categories	No legal status within the EU
Documentation	Technical file and declaration of conformity required	No documentation required

The rule of thumb: if the letters C and E are almost touching and there's no accompanying declaration of conformity (DoC), you're likely dealing with the China Export label instead of the genuine CE marking.

Which products require a CE marking?

Not all products require a CE marking. The obligation only applies to product categories for which specific EU directives exist. The main categories are:

• Toys - Directive 2009/48/EG (Toy Safety Directive)
• Electronics and electrical appliances - Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and EMC Directive
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Regulation (EU) 2016/425
• Medical devices - Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR)
• Machinery - Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG
• Construction products - Regulation (EU) 305/2011
• Pressure equipment - Directive 2014/68/EU
• Radio equipment - Directive 2014/53/EU (RED)

If you import products in one of these categories, you are legally required as an importer to ensure that the CE marking is correctly applied and that the accompanying documentation is available. Use the Product Tracker to analyze potential products before you purchase them, so you know in advance which category a product falls into.

Your responsibility as an online seller

If you import products from outside the EU and sell them on platforms like bol.com, you are considered an importer in legal terms. This comes with serious responsibilities:

• You must check if the product complies with all applicable EU directives
• You must have an EU Declaration of Conformity
• You must have a technical file available for market surveillance authorities
• You must ensure that the CE marking is correctly applied to the product or packaging
• Your name, registered trade name, and contact address must be on the product or packaging

Since the introduction of the EU Regulation 2019/1020 (Market Surveillance Regulation), enforcement has been tightened. Online marketplaces and customs authorities are increasingly checking for non-compliant products. The risk of being caught with China Export products instead of genuine CE-marked products has therefore increased significantly.

Common mistakes when importing from China

Many beginning sellers fall into the same traps when it comes to CE or China Export. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Blindly trusting supplier certificates

Suppliers on Alibaba often send certificates that look official but have no value in reality. Always check if the certificate was issued by a recognized Notified Body listed in the NANDO database of the European Commission.

2. Not requesting a Declaration of Conformity

A CE marking on the product is not enough. You also need an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This document states which directives and standards apply and is signed by the responsible party.

3. Not having a test report drawn up

For many product categories, it's wise to have an independent test report drawn up by a European test laboratory. This protects you legally and gives you certainty about the product's safety.

4. Not checking the visual difference

Always inspect the CE marking on the product when your goods arrive. Use the visual checklist above to determine if you're dealing with the genuine CE marking or the China Export label.

Step-by-step guide: how to check CE conformity

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your products meet European requirements:

1. Determine the product category - Find out which EU directives apply to your product
2. Request documentation - Ask your supplier for the EU Declaration of Conformity and the technical dossier
3. Check the certificate - Verify if any certificates have been issued by a recognized Notified Body via the NANDO database
4. Inspect the marking - Visually check if the CE marking complies with the official specifications (letter spacing, proportions, minimum height)
5. Consider independent testing - Have a European laboratory test the product if you're unsure
6. Document everything - Keep all documents for at least 10 years - market surveillance authorities may request them

Always conduct thorough product research before importing a new product. Analyze not only the profit margin but also the regulations that apply to the product category.

Consequences of selling non-compliant products

Selling products with a fake CE label (China Export instead of a genuine CE marking) can have serious consequences:

Consequence	Explanation
Fines	The NVWA and customs can impose fines of up to €900,000 per violation
Product recall	You may be required to recall all sold products
Account suspension	Bol.com can suspend your sales account in case of repeated violations
Liability	As an importer, you are personally liable in case of injury or damage
Criminal prosecution	In severe cases, the Public Prosecution Service can prosecute you
Reputation damage	Negative publicity and loss of customer trust

The risks are simply too great to ignore the difference between CE or China Export. It's better to invest in proper checks beforehand than to face fines or worse later on.

Tips for safe importing and selling

With the following tips, you minimize your risk when importing products from China:

• Only work with suppliers who can provide full documentation (DoC, test reports, technical dossier)
• Always order a sample before placing a large order - check the CE marking on the sample
• Use an inspection company in China (such as SGS, Bureau Veritas or TUV) to monitor production
• Keep a product dossier with all documentation per SKU
• Stay up-to-date with changes in EU legislation that apply to your product category
• Use tools like the Product Database to research which products sell well and where your opportunities lie

Conclusion

The difference between CE or China Export may be small in appearance, but it's huge in meaning. The genuine CE marking is a legal requirement that indicates a product meets European safety standards. In contrast, the China Export label is just a country of origin label with no legal value in the EU. As an online seller on bol.com or another platform, you're responsible for the compliance of the products you import and sell. Always check the CE marking, request the right documentation, and invest in independent testing when necessary. This way, you're not only protecting yourself from fines and liability, but you're also offering your customers safe and high-quality products.