CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product is in conformity with all applicable EEA legislation and that all appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been completed. Consequently, Member States are not allowed to restrict the placing on the market and putting into service of CE marked products, unless there is evidence that CE marking has been erroneously or abusively affixed on these products.
CE marking can therefore be regarded as a sort of passport for Europe, although it should be noted that it also applies to products manufactured in and for Europe.
CE marking is not the same as certification, because it does not always involve a third party (Notified Body).
CE marking is also not a proof of conformity with European standards; it is a presumption of conformity with the European Directive(s).
Notification, when related to CE marking and European Directives, is when a country informs the European Commission and the other countries in Europe that a conformity assessment body (certification body, testing laboratory or inspection body) has been designated by them to carry out conformity assessment according to a specific Directive. Thus, notification is the responsibility of a country and not a responsibility of the European Commission or CEN.
Notification can be given for one or more Directives.
To find out which conformity assessment bodies have been notified (Notified Bodies) and for which Directive, visit the NANDO web site.
When a Directive provides for CE marking, the manufacturer is obliged to affix it on the product. When there is no Directive, CE marking is not allowed. So CE marking is not a voluntary option; either it is mandatory, or it is not permitted.
For all information about CE marking, notification and European Directives, go to the European Commission's dedicated web site.