Chapter 7 - Conclusion

Abstract

A practical approach to Global Safety Certification is to increase everyone's awareness of the real meaning of the CE marking and the importance of producing safe products. The myths and realities of European Conformity are presented in this chapter; with this knowledge manufacturers, exporters, and consumers can make sound decisions. This chapter provides an understanding of the real meaning of the CE marking,the technical rules for safe product design, and the required assessment procedures that ensure product conformity. Meeting the European Conformity safety testing and design requirements for CE marking involves: —components,construction, and testing. A product's compliance with the European requirements relies on the application of good common sense, experience, and knowledge of the European safety philosophy and standards. The manufacturer is responsible for designing equipment in accordance with the essential requirements and the harmonized standards. It is necessary to have a general understanding of the directives for enforcement and procedural issues, but focus should be directed towards the standards for product design and conformity assessment. When a product conforms to the standards, a “presumption of conformity” to the essential requirements of the directives is achieved. The end-product manufacturer is accountable for all conformity aspects for their products, including the design, components, documentation, declaration, and CE marking. Making sound decisions, such as sourcing EU type-approved components and obtaining certification on the end-product may not at first seem to be the most convenient path, but in the end it is the easiest and lowest-cost alternative.