Applicable Directive Review
Identify the applicable CE or ECE route based on product type and market.
Marking Route Support for ECE and CE Compliance
ATS helps companies achieve E-marking (ECE) and CE marking compliance for their products.
We guide you through the applicable regulations, scope, and technical requirements for your specific target markets, so your products can be placed on the market with confidence.
E-Marking and CE Marking Route Definition
Each marking project starts by separating the E-marking route from the CE marking route, then matching the product to the correct ECE regulation, directive, standard, technical file and declaration requirement.
Two Marks. Different Regulatory Purposes.
The CE mark and the E-mark are often confused because both are small symbols that show a product meets regulatory requirements. They serve different purposes, though. CE marking is a legal requirement for a wide range of products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). The E-mark is an approval marking used only for road vehicles and their parts, issued under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) framework.
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
Illustrative diagram
SafetyHealthEnvironmental protection
What It Represents
By applying the CE mark, a manufacturer declares that the product meets the EU’s requirements for safety, health, and environmental protection.
It Is Not a Quality Seal
It does not indicate superior quality.
CE marking works like a regulatory passport that allows a product to circulate in the EEA. It does not indicate superior quality, and it does not show where the product was made.
Products It Covers
It applies to many product groups governed by EU harmonised legislation, including:
- Electronics and electrical equipment
- Machinery
- Toys
- Medical devices
- Personal protective equipment
Electronics and electrical equipment
How It Is Obtained
The route depends on the risk level of the product:
Product risk level
Lower-risk products: The manufacturer can assess conformity itself (self-certification).
Higher-risk products: A third-party Notified Body must carry out testing or audits.
In both cases, the manufacturer must prepare an EU Declaration of Conformity and keep a technical file as supporting evidence.
E-Mark (Automotive Approval)
Illustrative diagramn → issuing country
The number shows which country issued the approval.
What It Represents
The E-mark confirms that a vehicle, system, or separate technical component complies with UNECE regulations or the relevant EU automotive type-approval rules.
Capital “E” vs. Lowercase “e”
| Mark | Symbol | Linked to |
|---|---|---|
| E-mark | Capital E with a number inside a circle (e.g. E1 = Germany, E11 = United Kingdom) | UNECE regulations |
| e-mark | Lowercase e with a number inside a rectangle | EU road-vehicle legislation |
Cars and motorcycles
Where It Applies
The E-mark is limited to the automotive sector, covering items such as:
- Cars and motorcycles
- Helmets
- Seatbelts
- Lighting equipment
- Tyres
- Other motor vehicle parts
Quick Takeaway
If your product is general equipment such as electronics, machinery, or toys, you will most likely need CE marking. If it is a vehicle or a road-vehicle component, you will need an E-mark or e-mark.
Scope
Marking Support from Requirement Mapping to Market Readiness.
Technical File Support
Organize drawings, specifications, declarations and test evidence.
Conformity Planning
Map responsibilities, open evidence and assessment milestones.
Label and Mark Readiness
Support the technical basis behind product marking decisions.
Need Approval Support?