Differences Between China Export vs CE Mark
Discover the differences between China Export vs CE Mark, the risks of importing products with a fake CE Mark, and how to ensure the safety of your business and customers in Europe.
Inmaculada Antequera
11/20/2024
Table of Contents
What is the CE Mark and why is it important?
What is the China Export logo?
How to differentiate between the China Export logo vs the CE Mark
Comparison between the CE Mark vs the China Export logo
Risks of using products with a fake CE Mark
How to verify if a product complies with CE regulations
Are voluntary certificates valid?
How to protect your business when importing from China
Conclusion
1. What is the CE Mark and why is it important?
The CE Mark (Conformité Européenne) is a mandatory label for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). This mark indicates that the product complies with the European Union’s (EU) strict safety, health, and environmental standards.
Why is it important? It ensures that consumers can trust the quality and safety of the products they purchase. Additionally, it allows businesses to market their products throughout the EU without additional restrictions.
⚠️ If you are unsure whether your product requires CE Marking, consult our CE Marking Guide to learn which product categories require it and the steps to obtain it.
2. What is the China Export logo?
The China Export logo indicates that a product was manufactured in China. While it has no legal requirements, it is often confused with the CE Mark due to its visual similarity. This can cause significant confusion in the market and mislead both consumers and businesses.
How to differentiate between the China Export logo vs the CE Mark:
Spacing between letters:
The official CE Mark has a defined space between the "C" and "E".
In the China Export logo, the letters are placed closer together.
Design of the "E":
In the CE Mark, the middle horizontal line of the "E" is slightly shorter than the other two.
In the China Export logo, all three lines of the "E" are typically the same length.
These visual details are critical to identifying legitimate certification and avoiding confusion.
3. Comparison between the CE Mark vs China Export logo
To avoid confusion, here is a direct comparison between the two logos:
Purpose: The CE Mark signifies compliance with EU regulations, while the China Export logo simply indicates the country of origin.
Requirements: The CE Mark requires testing, technical documentation, and, in some cases, evaluation by notified bodies. The China Export logo has no associated requirements.
Safety assurance: Products with the CE Mark have undergone rigorous testing. Products with the China Export logo do not guarantee safety or quality.
Legal consequences: Misusing the CE Mark can lead to fines, product confiscation, and reputational damage.
4. Risks of using products with a fake CE Mark
Importing or distributing products with a fake CE Mark can be disastrous for your business. The main risks include:
Consumer hazards:
Toys made from toxic materials or containing small parts that pose a choking hazard.
Electrical chargers that can cause fires.
Appliances that emit harmful radiation.
Chemical products in poorly labelled containers that may cause poisoning.
Legal consequences:
Customs rejection: Products may be blocked at border controls, resulting in additional costs for relabelling or even destruction.
Sales prohibition: European authorities may prevent their distribution in the market.
Economic sanctions: Significant fines for non-compliance with EU regulations.
Reputational damage: Your business may be perceived as irresponsible, affecting future commercial relationships.
5. How to verify if a product complies with CE regulations
To ensure that a product carries a legitimate CE Mark, follow these steps:
Check the Declaration of Conformity (DoC): This is an official document issued by the manufacturer certifying compliance with applicable EU directives.
Verify the technical documentation: Manufacturers must maintain detailed records that support the product's compliance.
Consult notified bodies: If the product requires independent evaluation, check the notified body’s ID in the NANDO database.
6. Are voluntary certificates valid?
In the context of the European Union, voluntary certificates are not legally valid for CE Marking. Certificates like those issued by CNAS-accredited laboratories (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) are not recognised by the EU and cannot substitute the required conformity assessments for CE certification.
Risks of relying on voluntary certificates
Legal problems: Products based on voluntary certificates may be rejected at customs or removed from the market.
Product insecurity: Without official evaluations, there is no guarantee that the product meets EU safety, health, or environmental standards.
Solution: Seek valid certificates
If you want your products to be CE compliant, check the NANDO database to verify whether the certifying body is registered as a notified body. You can also seek advice from experts such as Your Compliances to simplify the process.
7. How to protect your business when importing from China
Ensuring that imported products comply with CE regulations not only protects your customers but also safeguards your business. Here are some key steps to avoid issues related to fake CE Marks or invalid certificates:
Practical strategies to avoid risks
Audit your suppliers:
Request evidence of compliance, such as the Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
Review product traceability by verifying labels, technical documentation, and other relevant details.
Verify certifications:
Check the NANDO database to ensure that any laboratory involved in the evaluation is registered as a notified body in the EU's official database.
Remember that a laboratory accredited by CNAS is not valid for CE certifications as it is not authorised by the EU.
Avoid products with voluntary certificates: These certificates, while endorsed by international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, do not meet European directives and fail to guarantee legal compliance.
Consult experts: Work with specialised consultants to ensure that your products meet all applicable directives and to avoid costly mistakes.
8. Conclusión
Distinguishing between the CE Mark and the China Export logo is crucial to protecting your customers and ensuring compliance. Importing non-compliant products can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and safety risks.
At Your Compliances, we specialise in guiding you through the CE certification process so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Useful Links
Case Studies and Practical Examples
You are engaged in the wholesale trade of bazaar items, and in one shipment, you import several types of toys. During a customs inspection, it is discovered that some batches carry the China Export logo instead of the official CE marking. This results in the goods being detained and a thorough review of the documentation. Finally, customs authorities determine that both the certificates and the CE marking on these batches are fake, requiring you to destroy the merchandise.
You put a large number of portable fans up for sale for the summer campaign in your online store and across various marketplaces. Shortly afterward, you receive a notification from the Market Surveillance Authorities sanctioning you with the withdrawal of the product from the market, in addition to requiring the recovery of the sold units, which you will have to destroy. This is due to the product not complying with marking regulations or European safety standards, something you failed to notice because of the similarity between the CE marking symbol and the China Export logo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it illegal to import products with the China Export logo?
It is not illegal to import products with the China Export logo, but they do not guarantee compliance with European Union safety regulations. This can result in legal sanctions, customs detentions, and a ban on selling the products in the European market. Additionally, it can harm your business's reputation and erode customer trust by associating your brand with non-compliant products.
How can I legally protect my business if I find that a product purchased has a fake CE logo?
If you identify a product with a fake CE logo, it is essential to contact the supplier and demand the product be certified by an EU-recognised notified body. Once compliance is verified, the supplier must relabel the product with the official CE Mark. This process protects your business and ensures the product meets regulatory standards.
How can I distinguish between the official CE Mark and the China Export logo?
The official CE Mark is characterised by a clear space between the "C" and the "E," whereas the letters in the China Export logo are closely spaced. Additionally, in the CE Mark, the middle horizontal line of the "E" is shorter than the other two, while in the China Export logo, all three lines are of equal length, making this imitation easier to identify.
Why is it so important to audit suppliers before importing products?
Auditing your suppliers is crucial to ensuring that products comply with European regulations before they reach customs. Reviewing technical documentation, verifying certifications from notified bodies, and confirming product traceability help avoid legal sanctions, unexpected costs, and risks to consumers, ensuring the success of your business.
What are the most common risks associated with products bearing the China Export logo instead of the CE Mark?
Products with the China Export logo do not guarantee the safety or quality required in the EU. This can lead to consumer hazards such as toys made with toxic materials, defective chargers causing fires, or appliances with electrical failures. Additionally, businesses may face legal sanctions, customs rejection, and financial losses due to market withdrawals.
What is a voluntary certificate, and why is it not valid for CE Marking?
A voluntary certificate is issued by entities that are not recognised as notified bodies by the EU. While such certificates may provide technical assurances, they lack legal validity within the European framework and do not authorise the use of the CE Mark, potentially leading to legal issues and market rejection.