How can we differentiate A Real CE Mark from A Fake Chinese Export Mark?

CE mark is available mostly in products, claiming that the products are safe for the end-customer, and sell them within the EU zone. But it’s not possible for all time..! Do you know that sometimes the CE mark you can see on a product can be fraud or can be fake? Definitely the answer will be negative, and that’s absolutely normal. To identify this answer, I've created this post based on how we differentiate the real CE mark from the fake CE "Chinese export" mark.

It is expectable that a product bearing the CE marking is safe because the CE marking indicates the product’s compliance with the relevant and strict EU directives and standards. The marking benefits everyone in the supply chain but most notably - the consumer.

1. Official CE Marking

The CE mark is a symbol applied to products to specify their conformity with the essential requirements of the relevant EU directives regarding health and safety or environmental protection. The letters "CE" are an abbreviation and come from the French phrase "Conformité Européene" which literal meaning is "European Conformity". The CE Mark is compulsory for specific products that are sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Sometimes, Parallel to the CE mark can be seen a code which represents the ID number of the respective Notified body required for conducting the product’s certification.

2. CE "Chinese Export" Marking

The CE "Chinese export" mark can be seen on some, products which are produced in and exported from china. The mark is with a similar design, and if you don’t know how to differentiate with it from the real CE mark, it can look identical to you. As a result, you can think that your product is CE marked and safe to use.

The "Chinese export" mark is not an official European Mark and is considered as fake or fraud. Many factories in China apply that mark on their products and afterwards, put them on the market. Many products haven’t had any risk assessment, safety evaluation, or testing. They haven’t been certified against the relevant CE standards, and their placing on the EU market is seen as an illegal act.

As overall, products bearing the CE "China Export" mark different in quality from being acceptable to completely dangerous in their design. Products on which you can very often see this CE mark is the power supplies which is a good example.

3. Difference between both CE marks

The difference is not only in the meaning, but even though that the "Chinese export" mark resembles the official European CE mark; it does not respect its dimensions or proportions. In this regard, the letters are formed identically, but the spacing between them is varied. Thus, this is precisely what varieties the two marks. A correct CE mark has the "E" started on the circular profile drawn out by the "C" character.

Generally Products sold within the EU zone are heavily regulated and generally safe. However, there are cases of unethical companies that, after receiving the approval on the technical documentation, remove elements to save money, which on the other hand is at the expense of safety or durability of the specific product.

As ISO Consultant profession since last many years Charles has rich experience in preparing such certification documents within ISO guideline to his global clients to acquire better ISO Certification Solution to their Organization.