What is a CE mark?

When they affix a CE mark, a manufacturer declares at their own responsibility that their product complies with the EU standards applicable for that product across Europe and that it was manufactured according to the specifications of the relevant product standard.

Normative Basics

The conditions for harmonization of the legal and administrative regulations of the EU member states were created with the introduction of the Code for Building Products. In Germany it was implemented in the form of the Building Products Act and in the alteration of the Model Building Regulations. The Code for Building Products devises fundamental norms for structures into which building products have been integrated. These norms are further substantiated by, among other things, harmonized standards. For example, the harmonized product standard EN 14351-1 describes the performance characteristics of windows and doors excluding characteristics relating to fire protection and imperviousness to smoke. This standard has since been incorporated into section B/1 of the list of building regulations referred to by the German regional building laws. Section B/1 lists all building products "within the area of application of harmonized standards as per the Code for Building Products."

Which Constructions Require a CE mark?

The area of application of product standard EN 14351-1 is described under item 1. Hereafter EN 14351-1 lists performance characteristics independent of the materials used and applies to windows, exterior doors and composite elements. From February 2009 onwards, all windows and doors that fall within the coverage of EN 14351-1 must carry a CE mark if they are to be brought onto the market.

Who Allocates the CE mark?

According to appendix ZA.3 ("CE marking and Signage") of the products standard EN 14351-1, the manufacturer or their representative located in the European economic area is responsible for affixing the CE mark. According to the Code for Building Products the manufacturer is defined as the person responsible for producing a building product and for bringing it onto the market.

Who Can Help me out?

VBH! We have competent CE Agents available to help you. Furthermore, your nearest VBH branch office has CE experts who can provide you with initial information about the VBH solution.

CE Lexikon