July 4, 2025, 11:18 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Manufacturers must use the CE mark to certify that their products meet EU health and safety standards. Those who cannot meet these standards omit the mark. However, some have devised a clever workaround.
The mandatory CE mark on products is not a seal from an objective testing agency. Manufacturers promise that their product meets all required standards–and buyers must trust this. However, manufacturers from the Far East often try to bypass this simple assurance and offer unsafe products with fake CE marks in European shops. According to Consumer Center Lower Saxony, this particularly involves devices such as Wi-Fi boosters, circuit breakers, socket adapters, or power supplies.
What the CE Mark Stands For
The CE mark on an electronic device indicates that the product meets all applicable European Union requirements. These requirements primarily concern the protection of health, safety, environment, and consumer interests. It is thus an indication that the product can be legally marketed and freely traded within the European Economic Area (EEA).
For electronic devices, this particularly means they comply with directives such as the Low Voltage Directive, the EMC Directive (electromagnetic compatibility), the RoHS Directive (restriction of hazardous substances), and–for radio equipment–the RED Directive (Radio Equipment Directive). The manufacturer or the importer into the EU assumes responsibility for ensuring that the device meets all technical and legal requirements.
The CE mark is not a quality seal nor a test mark like the GS mark or the TÜV seal. Manufacturers usually affix it themselves after creating a so-called declaration of conformity. With this, they declare on their own responsibility that their product complies with the relevant European directives. Only in certain cases, such as particularly safety-critical products like medical devices, must an external testing agency (a so-called “notified body”) be involved.
The marking does not mean that a product was manufactured in the EU. Imported goods–for example, from China–can also carry the CE mark if they meet EU requirements. The decisive factor is not the place of production but compliance with European regulations.
Also read: Caution When Buying Electronics on Vacation
Recognizing Fake CE Marks
With a fake CE mark, the C and the E are too close together. In another variant, the middle line in the E is too long. These false and unlawfully affixed marks are intended to superficially meet buyers’ expectations. Ultimately, however, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for their product.
Consumers should pay attention not only to the correct CE mark but also to the manufacturer’s name and address, consumer advocates advise. Only with all of this information can a product be sold in the European Union. Consumer advocates recommend giving preference to dealers based in Europe when in doubt.
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Cheap Electronics Can Be Life-Threatening
Cheap electronics can, in the worst case, endanger life and limb, but also interfere with other devices. The Federal Network Agency therefore advises only using devices that, in addition to a correct CE marking, are sold with a permanently installed German plug type and instructions in German. A warning sign for inferior, potentially dangerous electronics is a noticeably lower price compared to competitors.