Is certification of electrical appliances obligatory in Europe? And in the world?

In UE countries the CE mark is obligatory for electrical appliances. But differently form the CE gas mark issued only by a notified laboratory, the marking on the electrical appliance is placed based on self-certification through issuance of a CE declaration of conformity made directly by the manufacturer.
For the appliance in question, the manufacturer is required to have a technical file that contains:
- test report;
- accurate description of the appliance (drawings, photos, etc.)
- instructions for use and installation;
- data plate to be attached to the product;
- documentation on tests performed at the end of the line.
In addition to the CE marking, obligatory but not necessarily performed based on tests by qualified or notified laboratories, it is possible to place a voluntary mark such as IMQ which requires annual surveillance ensuring the consumer with constant quality since it is verified by IMQ inspectors.
The CE mark does however have the limitation that it is recognized only in Europe. For markets outside of Europe, it is possible to use the CB Certificate which is issued based on IEC/EN standards and only by an authorized laboratory. This certificate does not include annual maintenance costs or inspections and is normally renewed every two to three years.
For the following markets:
- NORTH AMERICA requires the CSA mark (which we can follow);
- SAUDI ARABIA SASO mark (which we can follow);
- RUSSIA GOST mark (which we can follow);
- Other nations in which the search for collaboration is ongoing...
For further information please contact Mr Zanette, the electrical laboratory manager, at sergio.zanette@imqprimacontrol.com