UL is the abbreviation of Underwriter Laboratories Inc. UL Safety Testing Institute is the most authoritative in the United States and the largest private institution engaged in safety testing and identification in the world. UL certification is a non-compulsory certification in the United States. It mainly tests and certifies product safety performance. Its certification scope does not include the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) characteristics of the product.

CE certification is limited to basic safety requirements in terms of products not endangering the safety of humans, animals and goods, rather than general quality requirements. The coordination directive only stipulates the main requirements, and the general directive requirements are standard tasks. In the EU market, the "CE" mark is a compulsory certification mark. Whether it is a product produced by an enterprise within the EU or a product produced in other countries, if it wants to circulate freely in the EU market, it must be affixed with the "CE" mark.

Extended information:

CE certification process

This process applies to all products covered by CE.

1. Determine the directives and coordination standards that the product complies with

Products covered by more than 20 directives need to be affixed with a CE mark. These directives cover different ranges of products, and the directives enumerate the basic requirements for the covered products. EU harmonized standards are detailed technical documents used to guide products to meet the basic requirements of the directive.

2. Determine the detailed requirements that the product should meet

You must ensure that your product meets the basic requirements of relevant EU laws. A product is deemed to comply with the relevant basic requirements only if it meets the requirements of all harmonized standards to which it applies. The application of harmonized standards is completely voluntary, and you can choose other ways to meet the corresponding basic requirements.

3. Determine whether the product requires a notified body to participate in the inspection

Each instruction involved in your product has details on whether a third-party notified body needs to participate in the CE review. regulations. Notified body certification is not mandatory for all products, so it is important to determine whether the involvement of a notified body is actually required. These notified bodies are authorized by the European Commission and have a detailed list in the files of NANDO (New Approach Directive Notified Bodies and Notified Bodies).

4. Test the product and check its compliance

The manufacturer is responsible for testing the product and checking whether it complies with EU regulations (conformity assessment process). Risk assessment is the assessment process Only after meeting the basic rules in the EU and meeting the requirements of the EU's relevant harmonized standards can you possibly meet the basic requirements of the EU's official regulations.

5. Draft and save the technical documents required by the directive

Manufacturers must establish product technical documents (TCF) based on the products’ compliance with the requirements of the directive and the needs of risk assessment. If required by the relevant authorized department, the manufacturer must submit the technical documentation and EC declaration of conformity for inspection.

6. Affix the CE mark on your product and make an EC Declaration of Conformity (EC Declaration of Conformity).

Reference materials: Baidu Encyclopedia-UL certification

Baidu Encyclopedia-CE certification