How do I verify CE marking on imported machinery?

The answer

Verify the document, not the sticker. Ask for the declaration of conformity, check which directives and standards it cites, confirm the manufacturer named on it matches the machine, and check the technical file exists. A CE mark on its own proves nothing; the declaration is what makes a claim checkable.

In more detail

A CE mark is a self-declaration. It is not issued by a third party for most machinery categories, which is exactly why the paperwork behind it is what you check.

The document to ask for is the declaration of conformity. It should name the manufacturer, identify the machine, and cite the specific directives and harmonised standards applied. If it is generic — no machine identification, no standards listed — it is not a usable declaration.

Then check consistency. The manufacturer named on the declaration should match the machine and the other commercial documents. Where a category requires involvement of a notified body, there should be evidence of that involvement. And the technical file referenced by the declaration should actually exist, because that is what an authority would ask for.

We do not assert that any machine is certified. What we do is obtain the documents a route can provide and share the document name and the issuing party, so you can verify them against your own market requirements — usually with your customs broker or a compliance advisor.

Confirm before acting

Request the declaration of conformity, not a photo of the mark
Check which directives and standards it cites
Confirm the named manufacturer matches the machine
Ask whether a notified body is involved for this category
Confirm the technical file exists
Verify against your own market requirements with an advisor

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How do I compare supplier quotes fairly?

Write the specification first, then require every supplier to quote against that same sheet. Compare the specification lines, not the totals. A quote that is cheaper usually differs on battery, mast, charger inclusion or packing — not on price for the same machine.

What documents should I request from a supplier before ordering?

Request the documents that let you verify a claim, not a list of certificate names. A specification sheet, a declaration of conformity where applicable, a wear-parts list, a packing and loading plan, and the quotation with its exclusions stated. Each one should name the issuing party and be specific to your machine.

Another question?

Send the actual conditions — we will tell you what needs confirming first and which routes we can compare.

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