Economic Co-operation
WHAT IS TIDP?
WHAT DOES TIDP AIM TO ACHIEVE?
WHO DOES TIDP WORK WITH?
WHO IS IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME?
WHO MANAGES TIDP?
HOW DOES TIDP KEEP IN TOUCH?
For further information...
more
Monday, May 26, 2008
EU-India Trade and Investment Development Programme (TIDP)
CE Marking for Ex components ?
Marking of components
The question has arisen, whether the marking of components is mandatory.
Strictly speaking, Directive 94/9/EC explicitly requires marking in Annex II, clause 1.0.5., only for equipment and protective systems. The question, whether components should nevertheless be marked in order to facilitate the implementation to the Directive, has particular practical relevance in cases- where it is difficult to recognise the difference between ATEX components and standard components, and- where a manufacturer who wanted to use a component might have serious problems undertaking his risk assessment, if there is no indication about the category of the component.
Apart from the question of marking, the Directive requires an attestation of conformity for components. The latter shall give all the necessary information stating the characteristics. This normally occurs assigning to the component an explosion classification according to relevant harmonised standards, which looks like a marking (e.g. Ex II 1/2 GD cb Tx or Ex II 1 GD c Tx).
For components having an own potential ignition source or which are clearly correlated (with respect to the properties of the component) to equipment with a given category, it has been considered that without the definition of group and category, the necessary conformity procedure of the equipment, which the component will be incorporated to, cannot be performed.
In some cases the conformity procedure can only be performed, if the equipment, which the component will be incorporated to, is defined, and if this incorporation is a matter of the conformity procedure.
Therefore, it is recommended to mark components, as long as these can be assessed with respect to a certain category and group of equipment, indicating this category and group in the marking.
Moreover, it is recommended to mark components for autonomous protective systems, which can be assessed with respect to the characteristic properties of the latter, as far as reasonable indicating these characteristics in the marking.
It has also to be considered that size is a problem impeding marking on a product. In these cases, the information should be given in the accompanying documentation and on the packaging of the component subject to marking.
Finally, it is recalled that, according to Directive 94/9/EC, ATEX components shall not bear the CE-marking.
more
CE Marking for gas detection equipments
Several organizations have published codes, standards, and recommended practices relating to gas detection and alarm systems, however, new standards are also being developed. These standards all relate to components of gas detection and alarm systems, such as sensors and monitors.
more
more
Smart Combustible Gas Detectors--SIL 3 Suitable
Highly Intelligent Combustible Gas Detectors Are SIL 3 Suitable
For Hazardous Environment Processes In Demanding Industries
Ideal for Oil/Gas Production, Storage, Pipeline, or Distribution and PetroChemical Refining Applications
With their highly intelligent microprocessor-based designs, the advanced S4000C and S4100C Combustible Gas Detectors from General Monitors are now suitable for use in Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 applications commonly found in a wide range of demanding industries where the potential presence of dangerous hydrocarbon-based combustible gas is a threat to people, equipment and facilities.
The global importance of the SIL standard has grown substantially in the oil/gas, petrochemical and other process industries over the last 10 years in response to the development of safety equipment designed with next-generation electronics. SIL is a measure of process safety system performance, in terms of probability of failure on demand (PFD). This convention was chosen because it is easier to express the probability of failure rather than that of proper performance.
There are four discrete integrity levels associated with SIL: SIL 1, SIL 2, SIL 3, and SIL 4. The higher the SIL level, the higher the associated safety level, and the lower probability that a system will fail to perform properly. As the SIL level increases, typically the installation and maintenance costs and complexity of the system also increase.
S4000C Combustible Gas Detector
The S4000C Detector is a hydrocarbon gas detector that is suitable for SIL Level 3 applications and is FM, CSA, ATEX, CE Marking and GOST approved. It features a three-digit display and an explosion-proof housing, which allows all data to be processed locally at the sensor site. The S4000C is also available with an optional relay configuration that is appropriate for SIL Level 2 processes.
With its highly reliable catalytic bead sensor, the S4000C Detector monitors combustible gas and vapors within the lower explosive limit (LEL) and provides status indication and alarm outputs. When the sensor detects gas, it initiates a 4-20mA alarm signal that is proportionate to the 0 to 100% LEL gas concentration present and communicates the alarm notification to the safety system.
S4100C Combustible Gas Detector
Designed for the European community, the S4100C Detector is a hydrocarbon gas detector that is suitable for SIL Level 3 applications and is ATEX, CE Marking, GOST and Kazakhstan approved. It features a three digit display and an explosion-proof housing, which allows all data to be processed locally at the sensor site.
The S4100C also features a highly reliable catalytic bead sensor. It is designed to measure and display concentrations of combustible gases in the 0-100% LEL range, but will continue to display concentrations up to 120% LEL. The sensing element may be incorporated in the transmitter housing or remotely mounted at distances of 600 meters.
GM SIL Resource Center
As part of its commitment to plant safety, SIL and the industries that it serves, General Monitors has developed a highly informative Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Online Resource Center that is located at: http://www.globalspec.com/Goto/GotoWebPage?gotoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egmigasandflame%2Ecom%2Fsil%5Flead%2Ehtml&VID=3755&ExhibitID=46576&Context=FP:Smart%20Combustible%20Gas%20Detectors%2D%2DSIL%203%20Suitable%20&gotoType=ExhibitsTocWebPage. The in-depth online SIL Resource Center continues General Monitors' 45-year history of focusing on customer problems by offering a diverse set of industry leading safety solutions.
About General Monitors
Founded in 1961, General Monitors is a leading-edge manufacturer of combustible gas, toxic gas and flame detection monitoring products and systems of the highest quality and reliability. The company is third-party certified to ISO 9001:2000 requirements. Corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, California comprise a modern engineering design center, R&D, manufacturing, sales and service complex. A facility in Galway, Ireland supports the EU with engineering design, R&D and manufacturing. Sales and service offices are maintained in Houston, Texas, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Highly Intelligent Combustible Gas Detectors Are SIL 3 Suitable
For Hazardous Environment Processes In Demanding Industries
Ideal for Oil/Gas Production, Storage, Pipeline, or Distribution and PetroChemical Refining Applications
With their highly intelligent microprocessor-based designs, the advanced S4000C and S4100C Combustible Gas Detectors from General Monitors are now suitable for use in Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 applications commonly found in a wide range of demanding industries where the potential presence of dangerous hydrocarbon-based combustible gas is a threat to people, equipment and facilities.
The global importance of the SIL standard has grown substantially in the oil/gas, petrochemical and other process industries over the last 10 years in response to the development of safety equipment designed with next-generation electronics. SIL is a measure of process safety system performance, in terms of probability of failure on demand (PFD). This convention was chosen because it is easier to express the probability of failure rather than that of proper performance.
There are four discrete integrity levels associated with SIL: SIL 1, SIL 2, SIL 3, and SIL 4. The higher the SIL level, the higher the associated safety level, and the lower probability that a system will fail to perform properly. As the SIL level increases, typically the installation and maintenance costs and complexity of the system also increase.
S4000C Combustible Gas Detector
The S4000C Detector is a hydrocarbon gas detector that is suitable for SIL Level 3 applications and is FM, CSA, ATEX, CE Marking and GOST approved. It features a three-digit display and an explosion-proof housing, which allows all data to be processed locally at the sensor site. The S4000C is also available with an optional relay configuration that is appropriate for SIL Level 2 processes.
With its highly reliable catalytic bead sensor, the S4000C Detector monitors combustible gas and vapors within the lower explosive limit (LEL) and provides status indication and alarm outputs. When the sensor detects gas, it initiates a 4-20mA alarm signal that is proportionate to the 0 to 100% LEL gas concentration present and communicates the alarm notification to the safety system.
S4100C Combustible Gas Detector
Designed for the European community, the S4100C Detector is a hydrocarbon gas detector that is suitable for SIL Level 3 applications and is ATEX, CE Marking, GOST and Kazakhstan approved. It features a three digit display and an explosion-proof housing, which allows all data to be processed locally at the sensor site.
The S4100C also features a highly reliable catalytic bead sensor. It is designed to measure and display concentrations of combustible gases in the 0-100% LEL range, but will continue to display concentrations up to 120% LEL. The sensing element may be incorporated in the transmitter housing or remotely mounted at distances of 600 meters.
GM SIL Resource Center
As part of its commitment to plant safety, SIL and the industries that it serves, General Monitors has developed a highly informative Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Online Resource Center that is located at: http://www.globalspec.com/Goto/GotoWebPage?gotoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egmigasandflame%2Ecom%2Fsil%5Flead%2Ehtml&VID=3755&ExhibitID=46576&Context=FP:Smart%20Combustible%20Gas%20Detectors%2D%2DSIL%203%20Suitable%20&gotoType=ExhibitsTocWebPage. The in-depth online SIL Resource Center continues General Monitors' 45-year history of focusing on customer problems by offering a diverse set of industry leading safety solutions.
About General Monitors
Founded in 1961, General Monitors is a leading-edge manufacturer of combustible gas, toxic gas and flame detection monitoring products and systems of the highest quality and reliability. The company is third-party certified to ISO 9001:2000 requirements. Corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, California comprise a modern engineering design center, R&D, manufacturing, sales and service complex. A facility in Galway, Ireland supports the EU with engineering design, R&D and manufacturing. Sales and service offices are maintained in Houston, Texas, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
why Standardization ?
Driven by standards: a prosperous Europe by 2010 Prof Ulrich Blum, President of the Halle Institute for Economic Research, Germany
1. Public standardization: a European issue?
Why did European governments standardize and forge a single currency? Why does the European press banks to standardize their transfer systems? Why does Europe, the largest free market area of the world, need a multiplicity of national standardization bodies, each having its own legal status, following its own agenda? Why do European governments and the commission postulate, in the Lisbon agenda, to become the worlds leading knowledge society if it entirely unable to properly organize its intellectual property system on a European level?
We argue, following earlier work (Blum 2005) that the single market should be complemented by a universal property rights system in which public standardization plays a major role. The integrated view that the interaction between R&D, especially its formal results, patents, with firm standards, consortia standards and public standards in a biographical sense is important for a technology strategy; this implies that a uniform approach to European standardization is needed.
The standardization of the European currency could be seen, and will be used, as an analogue. Generally speaking, the forging of a currency can develop through competition – more successful currencies crowd out weaker currencies – or by a formal political act. The latter option is politically less risky as it poses no problems to national pride, but may pose certain economic problems as we presently see.
2. Why do standards matter? Standardization, economic growth,and "biographic competition"
more
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Lead free solder
Solder
A solder is a fusible metal alloy with a melting point or melting range of 90 to 450 °C (200 to 840 °F), used in a process called soldering where it is melted to join metallic surfaces. It is especially useful in electronics and plumbing. Alloys that melt between 180 and 190 °C are the most commonly used.
A solder is a fusible metal alloy with a melting point or melting range of 90 to 450 °C (200 to 840 °F), used in a process called soldering where it is melted to join metallic surfaces. It is especially useful in electronics and plumbing. Alloys that melt between 180 and 190 °C are the most commonly used.
The word solder comes from the Middle English word soudur, via Old French solduree and soulder, from the Latin solidare, meaning '‘to make solid’'. In North America "solder" is pronounced with a silent L. Solder can contain lead and or flux but in most cases solder is now lead free.
Desoldering a contact and a wire attached with solder.
Contents
1 Lead solder
2 Hard solder
3 Flux core solder
4 Lead-free solder
5 Solder fumes
6 See also
7 External links
//
more
After years of debate, technical arguments and delays, Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS - often misinterpreted as RoSH) and Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) are finally in force across all 25 EU member states, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The legislation came and went with no real dramas or fireworks – these look likely to come later as the various enforcement agencies across Europe shift from their current educational and supportive role, to one of less tolerant policing.
The legislation came and went with no real dramas or fireworks – these look likely to come later as the various enforcement agencies across Europe shift from their current educational and supportive role, to one of less tolerant policing.
CE Marking for ballasts
Directive 2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 18 September 2000
on energy efficiency requirements for ballasts for fluorescent lighting
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular Article 95 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty(3),
Whereas:
more
ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS for ballasts
Monday, April 07, 2008
Text of the Directive 94/9/EC
Equipment intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)
Text of the Directive 94/9/EC
DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCILof 23 March 1994on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
go here
Saturday, April 05, 2008
CE Marking of pressure vessels
The downloadable document gives a full description of the CE marking process for simple pressure vessels according to Directive 87/404/EEC:Simple Pressure Vessels. Following this implementation plan, which describes the CE marking process in 10 steps, a step by step approach can be followed to make CE marking more accessible. See the related documents for the introduction on CE marking and the implementation plan developed by CBI with more background information on each of the 10 steps.
Friday, April 04, 2008
List of National Safety Marks
go here
important Links
Conformance Marks
Much equipment and tools have conformance marks stamped, inscribed, moulded, or printed on them to indicate that the tool or equipment in question meets the standards set by the body indicated by the mark or marks in question.
They are different from maker's marks that indicate the origin of manufacture.
An early example of a conformance mark might be the use of a hallmark on precious metals to indicate that the marked item will meet a particular assay standard.
Examples of such marks include the Underwriters Laboratories mark in the USA, and the CE mark in the European Economic Area except Switzerland, but additionally including Turkey.
Apart from the national standards bodies that are members of ISO, there are other organisations that provide conformance standards. This can often be noted on electro-technical equipment, with marks appearing from one or several of the bodies listed below. In many cases, these originated as national standards organisations which provided commercial testing and assessment services. These commercial activities have then often been outsourced or taken over by trans-national businesses, which have retained the historical (national) conformance mark but have expanded the business internationally.
AENOR - Spain, Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación (Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification) http://www.aenor.es/
ASTA-BEAB - Originally the UK, http://www.astabeab.co.uk/, now part of Intertek http://www.intertek.com/aboutintertek/intertek_history.shtml/?lang=en
B-mark - Poland, Polskie Centrum Badan I Certyfikacji (Polish Centre for Testing and Certification) http://www.pcbc.gov.pl/ang/index1.htm
Baseefa - formerly part of the Health and Safety Executive in the UK. http://www.baseefa.com
BIS - India, Bureau of Indian Standards http://www.bis.org.in
BSI - United Kingdom, British Standards Institute http://www.bsi-global.com
CCC S&E - China, China Compulsory Certification Scheme http://www.cqc.com.cn
CEBEC - Originally Belgium http://www.cebec.sgs.com/cebec_index_v2/product_certification_cebec/cebec_safety_mark_cebec.htm, now part of SGS http://www.sgs.com/about_sgs/in_brief.htm
CERTIF - Portugal, Associação para a Certificação de Produtos (Association for the Certification of Products)http://www.certif.pt/
CSA - Canadian Standards Association http://www.csa-international.org
DEMKO - Originally Denmark, Dansk Elektrisk Materiel Kontrol (Danish Electrical Equipment Supervision) http://www.iecee.org/ARTICLES/demko.htm, now part of Underwriters Laboratories
DIN - Germany, Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization) http://www.din.de/cmd?lang=en&level=tpl-home&contextid=din&languageid=en
ELOT - Greece, ΕΛΟΤ - ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ Α.Ε. (Hellenic Organization for Standardization) http://www.elot.gr/home.htm
ENEC - European Norms Electrical Certification http://www.eepca.org/fact_enec.shtml
ES - Hong Kong, EMC and Safety Mark
ETL - Originally Electrical Testing Laboratories, now part of Intertek http://www.intertek.com/aboutintertek/intertek_history.shtml/?lang=en
EVPU - Slovakia, Elektrotechnický výskumný ústav a projektový (Electrotechnical Research Company)http://www.evpu.sk/
EZU - Czech Republic, Elektrotechnický zkušební ústav (Electrotechnical Testing Institute) http://www.ezu.cz/
FIMKO - Originally Finland http://www.fimko.fi/home.html, now part of SGS http://www.sgs.com/about_sgs/in_brief.htm
GS - Geprüfte Sicherheit ("Tested Safety") or GS mark
IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission
IMQ - Italy, Istituto Italiano del Marchio di Qualità (Italian Institute for the Quality Mark) http://www.imq.it/portale/index.jsp?code=513
IRAM - Argentina/Latin America, Instituto Argentino de Racionalización de Materiales http://www.iram.com.ar/
ISI - India, Indian Standards Institution, now Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
KEMA KEUR - Netherlands: NV tot Keuring van Elektrotechnische Materialen, based in Arnhem http://www.kema.com/corporate/company_profile/history/
LCIE - Originally France http://www.lcie.com/, now part of Bureau Veritas http://www.bureauveritas.com/wps/wcm/connect/bv_com/Group/Home/About-Us/Our-History/
MEEI - Hungary, Magyar Elektrotechnikai Ellenőrző Intézet Kft. (Hungarian Institute for Testing Electrical Equipment), now part of the TÜV Rheinland Group http://www.tuv.com/meei/en/history.html?print=1
NEMKO - Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll (a Norwegian private organization that supervises safety testing for electrical equipment manufacturing) http://www.nemko.no/
NOM ANCE or NOM NYCE - Mexico, Norma Oficial Mexicana [1]
NSAI - Ireland, National Standards Authority of Ireland
PCT - Russia; actually "GOST-R" Государственные стандарты Российской Федерации (ГОСТ-Р) (Gosudarstvennyi standarty Rossiiskoi Federatsii, Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology) http://www.gost.ru/wps/portal/pages.en.Main
PSE - Japan http://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/denan/procedure/index.htm
SEMKO - Originally Sweden, Svenska Elektriska Materielkontrollanstalten AB(),now part of Intertek http://www.intertek.com/aboutintertek/intertek_history.shtml/?lang=en
SAA - Standards Association of Australia http://www.standards.org.au/
SABS - South African Bureau of Standards http://www.sabs.co.za/
Safety Mark - Singapore http://www.safety.org.sg/documents/Guidelines%20on%20the%20use%20of%20safety%20mark.pdf
SEE - Luxembourg, Service de l'Energie de l'Etat (State Energy Service) http://www.see.etat.lu/
SEV - Schweizerischen Elektrotechnischen Verein (Swiss Electrotechnical Association) http://www.electrosuisse.ch/
SII - Israel, Standards Institution of Israel http://www.sii.org.il/siisite.nsf/EngHomePage?OpenForm
SIQ - Slovenia, Slovenian Institute of Quality and Metrology http://www.siq.si/
SNZ - Standards New Zealand http://www.standards.co.nz/default.htm
TSE - Turkey, Türk Standardları Enstitüsü (Turkish Standards Institution) http://www.tse.org.tr/
TÜV - Technischer Überwachungsverein (Technical Monitoring Association)
ÖVE - Österreichischer Verband für Elektrotechnik (Austrian Electrotechnical Association) http://www.ove.at/
VDE - Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik (German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies)
UL - Underwriters Laboratories
UkrTEST[2]/UkrSEPRO - Ukraine, Ukrainian Testing and Certification Centre of Electric Equipment (Previously DERJSTANDART[3])
[edit] External links
http://www.int-app.tuv.com/Downloads/index.htm - An extensive collection of images of the various marks and the countries/organisations they are from.
http://www.cbscheme.org/cbscheme/html/cbadherence.htm - A similar, slightly more comprehensive list, but needing to click through to individual images.
http://www.swecheck.com.au/frames/product_approvals_index.html - Another list, with symbols not in the above two.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformance_mark"
Categories: Certification marks
more
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
'Affixing the CE Marking and Drawing Up the Declaration of Conformity'
Most CE Marking directives require that the manufacturer signs a 'Declaration of Conformity'. With the Declaration of Conformity the manufacturer states the fulfillment of the requirements of the relevant directives and standards. It should contain the references to the directives and standards that have been applied, a product specification and the contact details of the manufacturer. The Declaration of Conformity must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the company. The Declaration of Conformity is kept available in the Technical File. Whenever a distributor or authority requests, the manufacturer may send a copy of the last version of the Declaration. The text should be in one of the official languages of the European Union. Please note that generally English is the most wide accepted language for compliance documents.Affixing the CE Marking to a product may only be done by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. By affixing the CE Marking the manufacturer confirms that the product meets the applicable CE requirements.
It is not allowed to affix the CE Marking to products that do not comply, or to products that do not fall within the fields of application of the CE Marking directives. That is a criminal offense that may be prosecuted.The CE Marking must be affixed to the product visibly, legibly and indelibly. That means that the CE Marking must be visible on the outside of the product, it must be readable and it should not be easy to remove the CE marking without traces. If the affixing of the CE Marking is not possible due to the nature of the product, it may be affixed to the packaging and the documentation.
When a Notified Body has been involved in the conformity assessment, some directives require that the four digit identification number of the Notified Body is affixed next to the CE Marking.
While we are talking on this subject, I would like to draw your attention to a great website where you can register your CE Marked product and Declaration of Conformity. After registering your product, you will receive a unique code - the "CE-ID" - that you include on the product label, and affix to the packaging and the marketing material. With the CE-ID your prospects and customers can verify the reliability of your products through the CE-ID website at there own convenience.
You can even offer the Declaration of Conformity and test certificates as downloadable files, so that you never have to physically send these documents anymore. CE-ID offers also great information on CE Marking for their registered users.CE-ID is an independent and not for profit organization. Check out their website at http://www.ce-id.org.
Han Zuyderwijk
PS. Do you want to have an example of the format of the Declaration of Conformity?
Are you looking for the CE Marking logo to affix to your product? I offer an editable template of the Declaration of Conformity and the CE Marking logo in various graphical file formats. For more information visit the following page:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/self-certification_tools/self-certification_tools/ec_declaration_of_conformity_template.html
Monday, March 24, 2008
'Technical File: Documentation of Product Compliance
Every CE Marking directive requires the manufacturer or importer to compile and keep available for inspection a so-called Technical File. The purpose of the Technical File is to provide documented evidence of the product's compliance. Therefore the Technical File should contain at least all information about the product which allow the authorities to:- identify the product- determine the configuration of the product that was approved- determine which standards were applied- determine which directives were applied- determine how the product meets the requirements of the relevant directives and standards- identify the manufacturer and manufacturing process- determine how the manufacturer ensures consistent quality of production and continuous product compliance
The Technical File must be kept available for at least 10 years after the date of the last manufacture of the product.Which documentation exactly needs to be provided in the Technical File is stipulated in the text of the directives. However, mostly general descriptions of documents are given, and the directives do not specifically list the documents that need to be provided.
As a rule, the Technical File should cover the design, manufacture and operation of the product. Examples of documents that should be included in the Technical File are:- drawings, schematics, block diagrams, PCB layouts- users manuals- copy of the product label- list of the applied standards- test reports and certificatesAs said, the Technical File should be kept available for the market surveillance authorities of the European countries in which the CE Marking applies.
In order for these authorities to be able to verify the content of the Technical File, the documents should be provided in an official language of the European Union. We recommend to compile the Technical File in English, or to provide the documents with an English translation.Moreover, most CE Marking directives require a full copy of the Technical File to be kept in Europe.
If the manufacturer is located outside Europe, the Technical File may be retained by one of the European distributors. However, this is not always the preferred solution for manufacturers, because the Technical File contains confidential design and manufacturing information.
A good solution is to appoint an 'Authorized Representative' that keeps the Technical File. An Authorized Representative is strictly a regulatory representative, and not involved in the design, manufacture or sale of the products.
Tomorrow 'Affixing the CE Marking and Drawing Up the Declaration of Conformity'
Han Zuyderwijk
PS. I can help you to compile the Technical File. Just drop me a line or write me an email. For machinery and electrical equipment my Definite CE Marking Guide helps you to compile the Technical File yourself. The guide includes editable MS Word templates and checklists in the format that the European authorities like to see. For more information go to the following page:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/self-certification_tools/self-certification_tools/the_definite_ce_marking_guide%3a_step-by-step_guide_for_ce_self-certification.html
PPS. Do you need an Authorized Representative to keep your Technical File in Europe? It will be my pleasure to offer this service to you. Visit the following webpage for more information or drop me a line.http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/authorized_representative.htmlDay
'Conformity Assessment'
In the past two days we found out whether the CE Marking applies (Day 1), and which CE Marking directives and standards apply (Day 2).
The next step in the CE Marking process is to verify if the product complies with the requirements of the applicable directives and European harmonized standards.The applicable directives specify which conformity assessment procedures (or certification procedures if you like) can be chosen by the manufacturer.
In total there are eight different procedures (which are called modules) in the various CE Marking directives. Most directives offer a selection of these eight modules. But you could also say that basically there are only two types of procedures: 'self-certification' by the manufacturer, or obligatory certification by a third party certification body (called 'Notified Body' or 'Competent Body').
Conformity assessment may involve product testing, visual inspection, risk analysis, as well as a review of the product label and instructions. The requirements to be assessed are specified in the texts of the CE Marking directives, or in the annexes to the directives. These requirements are referred to as 'essential requirements' or as 'basic requirements'.
Often these essential requirements are rather general. And if one would like to know how to apply the essential requirements to a specific product or product aspect, it is recommended to use European harmonized standards. Yesterday we saw that European harmonized standards are accepted by the European legislators as providing proof of compliance with the directive(s) once the requirements of these harmonized standards are met. Therefore applying harmonized standards is the easiest way of proving CE compliance.
Once you have determined which essential requirements and which harmonized standards apply, you can establish if the compliance can be assessed by visual inspection, by testing or by other means, if your company has the required facilities to do so.
If not, you can find a service provider who does have the knowledge and facilities to perform the necessary evaluations. It is very important that all assessments are documented and that the reports are available written in a language that is accepted by the market surveillance authorities in the European countries.
In all countries, English compliance documentation is well accepted. As said, in some cases you may be required to involve a third party in the CE certification process. However, I recommend you to always try to perform as many assessments yourself. This saves you a great amount of money, because you are better prepared to what the certification body is going to look for.
Tomorrow we will look further into the documentation of product compliance in the so-called 'Technical File'.
Han Zuyderwijk
PS. If you need assistance in determining which CE Marking Directives and standards apply to your product, please read the following webpage:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/ce_marking_jump_start_consulting_session.html
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Europeand Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC
CE Mark Boats
The European Recreational Craft Directive became mandatory on 16 June 1998. If you plan to market recreational boats from 2.5 to 24 meters in length in Europe or sell components addressed by the Recreational Craft Directive that will be used in boats sold in Europe and are not yet in conformance with the Recreational Craft Directive and have not yet received the CE mark, we strongly suggest you read this folder of information, contact the appropriate groups and begin the process to be certified in compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive and receive the CE mark as soon as possible.
CE Mark Boats Europe and Recreational Craft Directive is a Polson Enterprises web site.
If you have any questions or comments about the CE program that are not addressed in the materials below, please click on the mailbox and send us your comments. Also if you find any good resources on the CE mark program that we do not have listed, please let us know about them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to the CE mark Recreational Craft Directive
Introduction to the CE mark Program by Gary Polson RBBI
Articles
RMN CE mark article (Recreational Marine Navigator)
Cruising News Recreational Directive Articles Royal Yachting Association
"Fair Wind for British Boat Builders" Two-Ten Communications News
Michael Clarke Home Page comments on the RCD and narrow boats
Conformance web site a consultancy page with coverage of the RCD
NMMA Technical Services Committee Discussion of RCD
Export Observer CE mark Article
"Standard Setting in the European Union" NIST
The Directive
The actual Recreational Craft Directive (94/25/EC combined with 2003/44/EC)
Example of Documentation from Royal Yachting Association in the U.K.
Training
Firms Offering Training in the Recreational Craft Directive CE mark
Miscellaneous
Notice Seeking Those Interested in Conformance Testing for the RCD from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
"electric.htm" (archived in 2002) Electronic Directives FAQ Frequently asked questions about electronic compliance to the directives. Many useful resources and questions that apply to recreational craft and accessories.
LINKS
CE Links Page (additional web sites on the Internet)
Questions and Comments
Questions and Comments From Our Visitors
Introduction to the CE mark Recreational Craft Directiveby Gary Polson
RBBI
Previously, manufacturers often had to create a host of variations of their products in order to meet the specific standards and regulations of several differerent countries in Europe. The purpose of the CE mark is to reduce that confusion, create common standards, and reduce technical barriers to trade.
The European Commission has established a group of requirements called the EU Directives (European Union Directives) which will require goods in certain categories (ie. recreational boats) sold there to confirm to a single document to meet legal requirements of the European Community. Products meeting the directives will be branded with the CE logo shown in the top corners of this document (less the RBBI), which is why the program is referred to as the CE mark. Many additional specifications and standards may be required of the product, but having the CE mark means it is legal. One quote we encountered was, "CE marking does not indicate conformity to a standard, but indicates conformity to the legal requirements of the EU Directives."
The conformance to these EU Directives can be "self assessed" and documented (for some directives) or an outside body called a "Notified Body" can come in and make the assessment, similar to an ISO 9000 assessment. Approved firms are then certified to use the CE mark. Many of the EU Directives require manufacturers to have a quality system to ISO 9000 in operation and use the assistance of a "Notified Body" in order to legitimately apply the CE marking to their product.
Overall, the infrastructure around the CE mark and the Recreational Craft Directive bears many similarities to the infrastructure around ISO 9001, ISO 10,006, ISO 14000, ISO 19011 and ISO/TS 16949, in that a world of consultants have establshed training, auditing, certification, and verification services.
"Notified Bodies" are basically consulting firms that have been certified and approved by the governing bodies to administer the assessments, quite similar to the ISO 9000 program. In Europe, Notified Bodies are appointed by the government of each country. In the United States, the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) oversees the program. Once appointed, each Notified Body can then serve manufacturers all over Europe as well as in the United States and other countries. These firms are certified for specific EU Directives (not all "Notified Bodies" are certified to administer the recreational boat directive.) Most Notified Bodies do provide access to the full set of EU Directives documents and can give you some assistance in getting prepared in areas they are not certified in.
There is another layer of firms called "Competent Bodies" that have approval to assist manufacturers in achieving certification for some EU Directives. Notified Bodies are required for more hazardous situations.
Those firms that "self assess" to meet the Directives are issued a SDOC (Self Declaration of Conformance). Effective 16 June 1998, all boats covered by the Recreational Craft Directive must meet the requirements and bear the CE mark to be sold in the participating European Countries.
The CE Mark Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC has been updated (called the "new" RCD) to 2003/44/EC. They remain separate documents. The "new" one extends its coverage to Personal Water Craft (PWC), ammends some requirements, and establishes limits for exhaust emission and sounds.
A combined version of the two regulations is available from the European Union's Recreational Craft Directive web site.
More coverage of the Recreational Craft Directive and related standards for other industries can be found at the EU site, New Approach
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has a Technical Info page on the RCD that provides several helpful tools.
Several of the Recreational Craft Directive standards are now International Standards Organaization (ISO) standards. A listing of corresponding ISO Standards by number is provided by ICOMIA.
General Coverage of the CE mark program is provided by export.gov
The letters "CE" come from the French words "Conformite Europeene".
the Applicable CE Marking Directives and European Harmonized Standards
Yesterday, we discussed in which countries and for which types of products the CE Marking applies. Today, we will look into the question how to determine which CE Marking regulations and European harmonized standards apply.
CE Directives
CE Marking product requirements and certification procedures are laid down in European technical regulations that are called 'directives'. There are currently almost 25 CE Marking directives for different product groups (e.g. machinery, toys, medical devices) or product aspects (e.g. electromagnetic compatibility).
Please note also that more than one directive can apply to a single product. For example, a machine with an electrical system and control panel is regulated by the Machinery Directive, the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive.
Unfortunately, there is no list that tells you which products are covered by which directives. So, you must check every directive in order to determine if it applies. We have put a simple checklist on our website that helps you to check the applicable directives yourself.For the checklist please go to:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/faqs/ce_marking/which_ce_directives_apply?.html
European harmonized standards
European harmonized standards, are product standards that have been developed, adopted and published by one of the three European standards bodies CEN, CENELEC or ETSI on a mandate by the European Commission. In other words, the European legislator requested the European standards bodies to develop these standards. They are called 'harmonized', because the content of these standards are harmonized with the content of the essential requirements of the directives to which they pertain. For every CE Marking directive there is a list of European harmonized standards.The relationship between the CE Marking directives and the European harmonized standards is very strong. The CE Marking directives state that if your product meets the relevant specifications of all appropriate European harmonized standards, it is automatically presumed to comply with the appropriate CE directives.
In other words, if your product is approved according the European harmonized standards, they can be affixed with the CE Marking, because they are presumed to comply with the essential requirements of the CE Marking directives. So applying European harmonized standards provide the easiest way of checking CE compliance.
Of course it is complex to determine the applicable CE Marking directives and European harmonized standards. If you need our support, please go to:https://alura.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nifhnat
We often get the follow questions. Click the link to read the answers: Does our product qualify for CE if it has UL, CSA, FCC or FDA?http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/faqs/ce_marking/does_our_product_qualify_for_ce_marking_if_it_has_ul_and%10or_csa_approval?.html
We determined that the CE Marking is NOT required. But our distributor insists we provide it anyway. What can we do?http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/faqs/ce_marking/no_ce_marking_is_required%2c_but_our_distributor_insists_in_affixing_the_ce_mark.html
Tomorrow we will focus on the CE certification or conformity assessment.
Han Zuyderwijk
PS. If you need assistance in determining which CE Marking Directives and standards apply to your product, please read the following webpage:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/ce_marking_jump_start_consulting_session.html
when does the CE Marking Apply?
The CE Marking applies only to products placed in the market or put into service in the European Economic Area, and only for a certain number of product groups or product aspects. So to answer the question whether the CE Marking applies, one has to determine first if the countries in which the products are going to be placed in the market or used are countries that require CE Marking. Secondly, it must be checked if the product, or some of its aspects, are within the field of application of the CE Marking regulations.
1. The CE Marking is only applicable in the following countries:
A) The twenty-seven Member States of the European Union (EU):Austria (became member in 1995)Belgium (Founder Member in 1957)Bulgaria (2007)Czech Republic (2004)Cyprus (2004)Denmark (1973)Estonia (2004)Finland (1995)France (FM 1957)Germany (FM 1957)Greece (1981)Hungary (2004)Ireland (1973)Italy, (FM 1957)Latvia (2004)Lithuania (2004)Luxembourg (FM 1957)Malta (2004)The Netherlands (FM 1957)Poland (2004)Portugal (1986)Romania (2007)Slovakia (2004)Slovenia (2004)Spain (1986)Sweden (1995)United Kingdom (Great Britain) (1973)
B) The following three members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA):IcelandNorwayLiechtensteinAlthough Switzerland is member of the EFTA, it does not directly apply the CE Marking. However, Switzerland has signed a mutual recognition agreement with the European Union. For some CE Marked products, the Swiss authorities presume they comply with the equivalent Swiss regulations.
C) The following countries that seek to become Member States of the European Union:- Turkey: Turkey has transposed many of the European CE Marking regulations into their national legislation, and requires CE Marking for many products.- Croatia: Most CE Marking regulations have been transposed in Croatian legislation. Products with CE Marking are going to be accepted as products presumed to comply with Croatian legislation. Croatia is expected to become a full member of the EU in 2009-2010.- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina has started the process of transposing CE Marking regulations in their national state legislation. Products with CE Marking are accepted as products presumed to comply with national legislation.- Albania: Albania has started the process of transposing CE Marking regulations in their national state legislation. Products with CE Marking are accepted as products presumed to comply with national legislation.- FYR Macedonia: FYR Macedonia has started the process of transposing CE Marking regulations in their national state legislation. Products with CE Marking are accepted as products presumed to comply with national legislation.- Serbia: Serbia has recently started to approximate towards membership of the European Union. It is expected that in the next years the CE Marking regulations will be transposed in their national state legislation, and that products with CE Marking are accepted as products presumed to comply with national legislation.- Montenegro: Montenegro recently became an independent country. Its government has announced that it aims at membership of the European Union. It is expected that in the next years the CE Marking regulations will be transposed in their national state legislation, and that products with CE Marking are accepted as products presumed to comply with national legislation. If your products are placed in the market in other than aforementioned countries, the CE Marking does not apply.
Next you should check whether the product can be considered to be of one of the product groups covered by the CE Marking regulations.
2. The CE Marking is required only for the following types of products:-Toys-Machinery-Electrical equipment-Electronic equipment-Personal protective equipment-Pressure equipment-Medical devices-Active implantable medical devices-In vitro diagnostica-Radio and Telecommunications terminal equipment-Simple pressure vessels-Gas appliances-Lifts-Recreational craft-Equipment and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres-Non-automatic weighing instruments-Cableways-Construction products-Explosives for civil use-New hot water boilers-Measuring Equipment
The CE Marking is NOT required for the following products:-Chemicals-Pharmaceuticals-Cosmetics-Foodstuffs Other than mentioned product groups do not require CE Marking.Products that are not covered by the European CE Marking regulations may fall within the scope of other European or national legislation.
If there is no specific legislation, the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) applies. This European Directives requires that products are safe, but is does not require any marking.
Tomorrow, we will look at determining which CE Marking directives and which European harmonized standards apply. These documents contain the requirements and CE certification procedures that must be applied before the CE Marking may be affixed.
Han Zuyderwijk
PS. If you need assistance in determining which CE Marking Directives and standards apply to your product, please read the following webpage:http://www.cemarking.net/ce-marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/solutions_for_ce_marking/ce_marking_jump_start_consulting_session.html
CE Marking Guide to common directives
The Following Overviews Contain Information on Common Directives.
Appliances Burning Gaseous Fuels
Cableway Installations Designed to Carry Persons
Construction Products
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Equipment and Protective Systems in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Explosives for Civil Uses
Garage Doors
Lifts
Low Voltage Equipment
Medical Devices: Active Implantable
Medical Devices: General
Medical Devices: In Vitro Diagnostic
Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments
Packaging and Packaging Waste
Personal Protective Equipment
Pressure Equipment
Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment
Recreational Craft
Safety of Machinery
Safety of Toys
Simple Pressure Vessels
CE Certification - Home
The CE marking (an acronym for the French "Conformite Europeenne") certifies that a product has met EU health, safety, and environmental requirements, which ensure consumer safety. Manufacturers in the European Union (EU) and abroad must meet CE marking requirements where applicable in order to market their products in Europe. For a list of countries that require the CE marking, see: CE Marking Countries. A manufacturer who has gone through the conformity assessment process, may affix the CE marking to the product. With the CE marking, the product may be marketed throughout the EU. CE marking now provides product access to 27 countries with a population of nearly 500 million.
Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive list of the products that require a CE marking. Therefore, it is the manufacturer's responsibility to determine if a product requires a CE marking. The "New Approach Directives" are documents that contain the legislation issued by the European Commission on the requirements that need to be met and procedures that must be followed in order for a particular product to be CE marked for sales in the EU.
If you are unfamiliar with the CE Marking process, we suggest that you read through the Program Overview and call or email the U.S. Government contacts if you have any questions.
CE Marking Section Updated November 26, 2007
CE Certification safety of toys
Hungary has implemented Directive 88/378/EEC on toy safety. This document provides a brief introduction to the Directive. For detailed information on CE marking toy safety, please see the related documents section on this page. For further information on the content of the legislation, see the related document on the EU legislation on toys. Publication date: November, 2006
Obtain Hungary legislation: CE Marking safety of toys Click on the button below to download this document.Click on this text block for an overview of selected documents and to download those documents at the same time. -->
Pages: 1Size: 50 KbDownload time: 1 Sec (at 56k6)
Obtain document
Get Acrobat Reader
Add to my documents -->
Relevant Market Sectors
Sports and camping goods, Toys and games
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
CE Mark for ceramic tiles and granite
What does the CE mark denote?
The CE mark is essentially a sort of passport for products within the european single market.It indicates that the product complies with the requirements of the 89/106 EU directive - in particular with regard to health protection and the safety of users and consumers - and may thus be freely circulated on the Community market.
Detailed information
Detailed information will appear here shortly on compliance with the requirements for the CE mark for ceramic tiles.
Detailed product-specific values and the declaration of conformity are available on request through the e-mail address mailto:quality@granitifiandre.it?subject=Request or by phone at 0039 0536 819611.
more
1. What is CE marking for ceramic tiles?Ceramic tiles should bearing CE marking when being exported to European market.CE marking is a mandatory European marking for certain product groups to indicate conformity with the essential health and safety requirements set out in European Directives.European Technical Committee has regulated the essential requirements on ceramic tiles and the standard has been harmonized through out European economic area.All manufacturers of ceramic tiles in the EU and abroad must meet CE mark requirements in order to market products after March 1st, 2002. European consumers may, thereafter, view the CE mark as an indication of product performance and quality. CE marking indicates conformity to mandatory European health, safety and environment protection requirements.2. Common standards for stone tilesEN 14411: 2003 - Ceramic tiles - Definitions, classification, characteristics and markingGenerally speaking, testing items for ceramic tiles are: Determination of water absorption, Determination of modulus of rupture, Determination of resistance to thermal shock, Determination of frost resistance, Extraction of lead and cadmium from glazed tiles, and so on.
more
BS EN 14411:2003
The Construction Products Directive (Council Directive 89/106/EEC)
Friday, February 22, 2008
WEEE: Caution for CE Marking
European WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment has been transposed in national law/legislation and become effective. The manufacturers became financially responsible for the compliance to the WEEE directive since 13 August 2005.
Failure to comply with the WEEE directive & national WEEE regulations will lead the manufacturers to prosecution. Besides the requirements for selective treatment for materials and components of WEEE- Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment, the WEEE Directive and national law/legislation on WEEE obligate member states to establish and maintain a registry of producers putting electrical and electronic equipment onto the market. So far, there does not exist a centralized European registration office.
Producers must register in every individual EU country. Without the WEEE registration a product can not be placed on the EU market!