The manufacturer demonstrates that the product conforms fully to the requirements of the Community directive through the CE Mark on the product. If the directive permits, the CE Mark can also be shown on the packaging or on accompanying documentation. CE Mark is not a test-mark. It shows that the manufacturer declares his product to comply with all relevant directives.
In contrast to the TUV Rheinland GS Mark, CE Mark is the manufacturer's self-declaration, and does not prove compliance to all applicable directives. For most products sold in the EU, the use of the CE Marking and a Declaration of Conformity are mandatory. With the exception of some high risk products, most products can be self-declared by the manufacturer to meet the Essential Requirements. While the CE Mark does permit a product's access to the EU, it is not an approval, certification or quality mark; nor is a marketing tool. CE Mark is a "mark' that is only a declaration of the supplier's own responsibility. While enabling products to be placed on the European market, it allows for the free movement of goods and permits the withdrawal of nonconforming products.