Difference between CE and EAC Markings

This article deals with the meaning of CE and EAC marking. To keep the content clear, the text is divided into two parts: The first part explains what the EAC marking stands for and when it is required. The second part deals with the CE marking for the European Union.

The main differences between the two markings are then explained. However, the common features are also taken into account to ensure a comprehensive understanding. The aim is to show clearly and comprehensibly which marking is needed when and why it is important for manufacturers and retailers.

EAC Labeling of the EAEU States

EAC marking, meaning, history and regulations

The EAC marking (Eurasian Conformity) is the official conformity mark for products placed on the market of the EAEU states. It confirms that a product complies with the technical requirements of the applicable TR CU/EAEU regulations.

What is the EAC Marking?

The EAC marking is comparable to the CE marking in the European Union. It indicates that a product meets the essential requirements for safety, health and environmental protection. Without the marking, products may not be sold in countries such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

Origin of EAC Certification?

The origins of EAC certification go back to the Soviet Union. At that time, central standards for product safety already existed, but the regulations were inconsistent and country-specific. In order to remove barriers to trade and create uniform standards, the uniform EAC mark was introduced in 2011 in what was then the Customs Union (consisting of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan).

In 2014, the customs union was further developed into today's Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The union aims to strengthen economic cooperation and remove technical trade barriers in the post-Soviet region.

Who needs EAC Certification?

All companies wishing to place products on the EAEU market for the first time require an EAC certification or EAC declaration. This applies in particular to:

• Machinery and equipment
• Food packaging
• Personal protective equipment
• Chemicals and cosmetic products
• Electrical appliances
• Construction products

Depending on the product group and type of risk, it is decided whether certification by a notified body is required or whether an independent EAC declaration is sufficient.

The certification process:

• Checking the product requirements
• Preparation of the technical documentation
• Carrying out product tests
• Submission to the approval body
• Issuing the EAC approval
• EAC marking of the goods
• Inspection control

After the conformity assessment, the product may be freely distributed within the EAEU.

Advantages of EAC marking:

• Access to a market with over 180 million consumers
• Uniform standards and rapid market launch
• Legal certainty when exporting to the EAEU states
• Trustworthiness towards customers

Would you like to sell products in EAEU countries?

We support you throughout the entire EAC certification process, from checking the requirements to the final labeling. You can rely on our experience in the field of technical conformity in the Eurasian Economic Union.

CE Marking in the European Union

CE marking in the European Union, basics, regulations and meaning

The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is a mandatory mark for many products placed on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). It indicates that a product meets the applicable requirements of EU harmonization legislation, particularly with regard to safety, health and environmental protection.

The new Concept and the overall EU Concept

Today's CE marking is based on two important concepts of the European Union:

1. the New Approach: Adopted on 7 May 1985, with the aim of simplifying technical harmonization and standardization and removing barriers to trade within the EU internal market.

2. Global Approach: Supplements the New Approach with standardized conformity assessment procedures.

These two principles form the foundation of the modern European Single Market. They replace the so-called Old Approach, in which national authorities largely defined their own technical regulations, which led to duplication of work and uncertainty.

CE Marking, Function and Legal Basis

The CE marking is not a proof of origin, but an indication of conformity with EU requirements. Only products with CE marking may be sold freely within the EU and the EEA (all EU states + EFTA states except Switzerland).

Important legal bases:

• EU Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008
• Product-specific EU directives
• Decision number 768/2008/EC
• Guideline: Blue Guide 2016

These regulations create a uniform system of product safety that applies to almost all branches of industry. In accordance with Art. 288 TFEU, regulations are directly binding, while directives give member states leeway in their implementation. 

Principle of Mutual Recognition

The principle of mutual recognition, derived from the famous Cassis de Dijon judgment, is a central element of the European single market logic. According to this principle, a product lawfully manufactured in one EU member state may in principle also be sold in all other member states, provided it complies with a comparable level of protection.

Affixing the CE Marking, Rules and Specifications

The CE marking is subject to clear requirements:

• At least 5 mm in size, clearly legible and indelible
• Visible on the product itself, packaging and accompanying documents
• In some cases, must be supplemented by the ID number of the notified body
• Must remain recognizable throughout the entire product life cycle

After a successful conformity assessment, a declaration of conformity must be drawn up and signed by the manufacturer or importer.

Sanctions for Misuse of the CE Marking

The unlawful use or absence of the CE marking can have serious consequences:

• Fines amounting to several hundred thousand euros
• Criminal consequences in the event of intent or gross negligence
• Recall or destruction of non-compliant products

CE Marking as the Key to the Single Market

The CE marking is far more than just a sticker, it is a central instrument for the free movement of goods within the EU. Its introduction was part of a comprehensive harmonization process, comparable to the EAC mark of the EAEU states.

Only those who comply with the applicable EU directives and use the CE mark correctly may sell their products within the EU in accordance with the law.

EAC and CE Markings in Comparison

The content of some technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union is based on the regulations of the European Union. A well-known example is the Technical Regulation TR CU 004/2011 on the safety of low-voltage installations, which is very similar to EU Directive 2006/95/EC (Low Voltage Directive).

Similarities between EAC and CE

The EAC marking has many similarities to the CE marking. Both conformity marks indicate that a product complies with the applicable technical requirements and has undergone all the necessary tests.

The marking is an important sign of product safety and conformity to regulations for both authorities and consumers.

Regulations for Affixing the Sign

The EAC mark consists of the three stylized letters E-A-C, arranged in uniform height and width and forming a square format.

The following requirements apply to the affixing:

• The mark must be easily legible, monochrome and clear in color
• It must remain clearly visible throughout its entire service life
• It must be applied to each individual product, packaging
• The minimum size of the EAC mark is 5 mm
• The mark must be legible to the naked eye
• Be applied on a contrasting background
• It can be applied in any way

Warning about Misuse

The use of the EAC mark must not be misleading. Products that do not meet the requirements of the technical regulations (TR CU/TR EAEU) may not bear the mark. Misuse or incorrect labeling (similar to that in the EU) can lead to legal consequences (including criminal prosecution).

Uniform Mark for the Entire EAEU Area

Decision No. 711 of the Eurasian Economic Union Commission of July 15, 2011 officially introduced the single mark of conformity. It replaces the previous national conformity marks such as:

• GOST-R Mark (Russia)
• GOST-K Mark (Kazakhstan)
• GOST-B Mark (Belarus)

Since then, the EAC mark has been the only valid conformity mark in the entire Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).

Only products that fully comply with the regulations may bear the mark and only these may be imported and sold on the EAEU market.

Technical Harmonization as a Basis

The following table summarizes the differences and similarities between CE certification and CE marking of the European Union and EAC certification and EAC marking of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The introduction of the EAC conformity mark is based on the principle of technical harmonization, just like the CE marking in the EU. International markets are increasingly moving towards standardization and globalization in order to facilitate the free movement of goods while ensuring product safety.