A Guide to Key Indicators of the EU's CE Mark and Taiwan's 3C Certification

By comparing in detail the core indicators of CE and 3C, including scope of application, testing standards, and application procedures, the book helps companies quickly understand the similarities and differences between the two certifications, providing useful guidance for products entering the domestic and international markets.

Why is it important to understand CE and 3C certification?

CE and 3C certification are the first hurdles for companies hoping to enter the European market or strengthen their position in the domestic market.When enterprises first start dealing with certification, it's like trying to get through a maze. There are so many standards and so many procedures that it's easy to get lost.But if you can grasp the essential differences, you can avoid a lot of detours.Today we're going to start from the practical needs of the consumer, and talk about just what the differences are between these two certifications.

Scope of Certification.

What type of products are suitable for this method?

CE certification covers a broader range of products, including electronic equipment, machinery, toys, and even building materials.The CQC certification is primarily aimed at 18 major categories of products sold in the domestic market, including wires and cables, household appliances, and auto parts.If you sell your products both domestically and in the EU, you may need both certifications.

Legal force.

The CE mark is the "passport" to the European market. It is a self-declaration model, meaning that the company itself is responsible for compliance.The 3C certification is a domestic requirement, and products must be tested by designated institutions before they can be sold.In other words, CE is like an open-book exam, while 3C is like a closed-book comprehensive exam.

Differing testing standards.

Safety indicators and priorities

The CE certification also focuses on environmental protection and health risks, such as the RoHS directive, which limits the use of hazardous substances.3C certification, on the other hand, focuses on basic safety performance, such as protection against electrical leakage and resistance to high temperatures.One factory owner complained, "When you test a power strip for CE, you have to check for six types of heavy metals, but when you test it for 3C, you don't have to check for any.The first is that the government should provide the necessary funding.

Electromagnetic compatibility requirements.

Both certifications require testing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), but the parameters of the European Union's EN series and Taiwan's GB series may differ by up to 20 %.In particular, CE has more stringent restrictions on RF radiation for wireless products.

A guide to the application process.

CE certification in three steps.

1. Select the correct directive: Determine which category your product falls into (such as the LVD Low Voltage Directive).

Prepare technical documents, including design drawings, test reports, and risk assessments.

3. Affixing the CE mark: Once the conformity assessment is complete, the CE mark can be affixed to the product.

Avoiding the pitfalls of 3C certification.

- The products must be tested and certified by a designated laboratory.

The initial factory inspection is a hard indicator, and involves checking the production line and quality control system.

- The certificate is valid for five years, but the company must undergo annual inspections.

Budget for costs and time.

The CE certification for most electronic products can be obtained in two or three months, for a fee of NT $ 30,000 to NT $ 50,000.The certification cycle is about the same for the three, but the process of inspecting the factory can take an extra month, and the total cost is about 20 % higher.If the product structure is complex, it is recommended that you prepare for six months.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone: Don't trust the middlemen who promise to "get you through." Last year, a company was caught by the European customs authorities with a shipment of goods that had been sold with a fake CE certificate.There is no easy way to get certified.