Exporting electrical appliances to Europe

Europe is one of the most regulated markets in the world when it comes to electrical and electronic equipment. Before an electrical appliance can enter the EU, manufacturers must comply with strict safety, electromagnetic compatibility, chemical and — increasingly — cybersecurity requirements.

For many exporters, Europe represents a huge commercial opportunity. But it also comes with strict legal obligations that must be met before shipping any products. Failing to comply can lead to customs blocks, product recalls, fines, or permanent restrictions from the European market.

Here are the five essential things every exporter must know before sending electrical products to Europe.

1. CE Marking is mandatory for all electrical products

If you plan to sell or distribute an electrical appliance in the European Union, CE marking is mandatory.
CE marking acknowledges that the product complies with all relevant EU regulations and that the manufacturer has:

  • assessed the risks,
  • implemented safety measures,
  • performed or obtained the required tests,
  • prepared full technical documentation.

For electrical appliances, the most common EU directives include:

CE marking is not optional. Importing electrical products without conformity assessment exposes you to major regulatory and commercial risks.

CE Marking is the main regulation for electrical products and consumer goods

2. Only European companies can be risponsible for the conformity of the products

Many exporters mistakenly believe they can issue the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from outside Europe.

But if the exporter is not established in the EU, they must appoint:

  • an EU importer,

or

  • an Authorized Representative (EU Rep).

The importer is legally responsible for :

  • The accuracy of the CE marking
  • the conformity of the product placed on the European market,
  • providing technical documentation to authorities upon request.

The Authorized Representative is responsible for :

  • collect and keep the up-to-date compliance file of the product,
  • providing, upon authority’s reasoned request, with all information and documentation necessary to demonstrate the safety of the product in an official language which can be understood by that authority;

The EU representative contact details shall be labelled on product’s packaging.

Without a valid EU DoC, the product cannot legally be imported, and customs may block the shipment immediately.

3. Safety tests are always required

CE marking is not based on “self-declaration only”. Electrical products must undergo mandatory safety tests, performed according to harmonized EN standards.

These tests typically include:

  • electrical safety (shock, fire, insulation, leakage current, endurance)
  • mechanical safety
  • thermal tests
  • EMC testing (immunity and emissions)
  • radio testing (for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, etc.)

Using IEC test reports from another region may help, but European EN standards often include additional requirements. This means re-testing is frequently necessary to fully comply with EU legislation.

Testing electrical appliances before shipping is essential to avoid costly corrections once the product arrives in Europe.

4. Cybersecurity is now a part of CE Marking

Europe has introduced new rules concerning cybersecurity for connected devices.
This affects products such as:

  • smart home appliances,
  • IoT devices,
  • wireless equipment,
  • cloud-connected systems.

The upcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the updated Radio Equipment Directive cybersecurity requirements make cybersecurity a mandatory part of CE compliance.
Manufacturers will need to demonstrate:

  • secure communication protocols,
  • vulnerability management,
  • update policies,
  • protection against unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity is no longer a “nice to have” — it is becoming a formal safety requirement for CE marking.

5. Further specifications may apply (RoHS, EMC, Eco-design, etc.)

Beyond these requirements several additional EU rules may apply depending on the product:

RoHS Directive : Limits hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, etc.) in electronic components.

Eco-design and Energy Labelling : Mandatory for many household appliances (heaters, refrigerators, power supplies, lighting, etc.).

WEEE requirements : Obligations linked to recycling and waste management.

Battery Regulation : If the product contains rechargeable batteries, additional compliance rules apply.

EMC and Radio requirements : Essential for any product containing electronics, motors, switching power supplies, or wireless features.

 

Exporters must therefore ensure that all applicable regulations — not only CE marking — are covered.

How to make compliance easier and faster

Achieving EU compliance becomes much easier when exporters prepare early and rely on a structured certification strategy.
Key recommendations include:

  • identifying all applicable EU regulations before starting testing,
  • reviewing the product design to anticipate safety and cybersecurity requirements,
  • performing pre-assessment to detect issues before laboratory testing,
  • preparing a complete technical file,
  • collaborating with a compliance specialist to avoid costly mistakes,
  • Considering European standards (IEC/EN) from the beginning of the design.

A clear compliance roadmap can save months during the certification and importation process.

  • identifying all applicable EU regulations before starting testing,
  • reviewing the product design to anticipate safety and cybersecurity requirements,
  • performing pre-assessment to detect issues before laboratory testing,
  • preparing a complete technical file,
  • collaborating with a compliance specialist to avoid costly mistakes,
  • Considering European standards (IEC/EN) from the beginning of the design.

ACEPELEC offers pre-assessment and testing strategy for exporters, helping manufacturers reduce risks, anticipate EU requirements and accelerate market access.

Send us a message