What is the difference between CE certificate and declaration of conformity ?

A CE certificate is a document issued by the manufacturer or their authorized representative to demonstrate that a product complies with relevant EU directives. The CE certificate is mandatory for certain products, such as machinery, vehicles, and consumer products, to be sold in the EU.

In contrast, a declaration of conformity is a document prepared by the manufacturer or their authorized representative to declare that the product complies with the relevant EU directives. Unlike the CE certificate, the declaration of conformity does not involve any third-party assessment. Instead, the manufacturer assumes full responsibility for ensuring the product's compliance and prepares the document accordingly.

The main difference between the CE certificate and declaration of conformity is the involvement of third-party assessment. A CE certificate requires an assessment by a Conformity Assessment Body, whereas a declaration of conformity does not involve any third-party assessment.

Another key difference is the liability. With a CE certificate, the Conformity Assessment Body shares liability in confirming the product's compliance. In contrast, the manufacturer solely bears liability for the accuracy and validity of the declaration of conformity.

In summary, the CE certificate and declaration of conformity both serve as indications of conformity, but they have different requirements and responsibilities for the manufacturers or authorized representatives. The CE certificate is mandatory for certain products to be sold in the EU, while the declaration of conformity is optional but still necessary for certain products.