CE Marking and NRTL Listing* software

Product Approvals Ltd is researching possible user demand for CE marking software and would like to hear from you if you think your company could benefit from such software.

We see possible advantages of using such software, including:

• Speeding up the CE marking process and making it more efficient.
• Generating your CE mark Technical File. A Technical File is required to show how you comply with the CE marking directives.
• Enabling a logical process for achieving self-certification or third-party CE marking of a variety of products.
• Ability to hold North American and other region-specific data and information.
• Prepare safety data for submittal to safety agencies - e.g. UL approval for the USA.
  
• Holding key safety related data and information in a centralized location, easily accessible by authorized persons. 
• The possibility of including design rules - e.g. minimum flammability ratings for polymeric materials when used as electrical enclosures.
• Using a database structure to allow reports to be run, such as project status, component safety data status, test status and so on.
• Ability to hold various regulatory information for Technical Files (also known as Technical Construction Files)  - e.g. safety data, EMC datasheets, RoHS, WEEE, energy efficiency.
• Directives and standards library.
• Declaration of Conformance library.
• Certificate library - e.g. for emailing or online access to relevant approvals certificates when requested by customers.

If this kind of software tool may be of interest to your company, please enter your email address in the sign-up box and we will keep your details on file and let you know about developments. If a project is launched, we may ask if you would be interested in beta-testing of a software product.

If there are features that you think could be of use with such a software tool, please get in touch. We would love to get your input!

Thanks for your consideration.

John Showell

Director

Product Approvals Ltd

john.showell@productapprovals.co.uk

*NRTL stands for Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory - these are bodies such as UL and Intertek in the USA, and CSA in Canada. NRTL safety marks are commonly obtained for products prior to launch on to the US and Canadian marketplace.

CE marking is the process of ensuring products comply with relevant European Union directives prior to placing on the EU market.

Sometimes referred to as the CE certification process, the term 'CE certification'  is better described as CE marking or CE conformity. The letters CE stand for 'conformité européenne', which is French for 'European conformity'.

Certification can apply to CE marking when a manufacturer elects to use a test house or approvals body to carry out a constructional and/or test assessment of the product which often results in the creation of a certificate. Inclusion of such certificates in the manufacturer's Technical File helps to demonstrate conformity with the relevant directive.

Manufacturers can elect to self-certify for many product categories - that is to say apply the CE mark to their product themselves, without involving any third-party. This route can save a lot of money but a high level of knowledge and a logical process is required to self-certify effectively. If a company has not done this before it is wise to seek external advice to ensure the process is done correctly.

Commonly applied directives for electrical and electronic products include:

• the Low Voltage Directive which covers product safety,

• the EMC Directive covering radio and mains-borne electrical interference generation and immunity.

• the RoHS Directive covering restriction of hazardous substances.

• the WEEE Directive covering disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment

• the Eco design directive aimed at reduction of use of materials and energy throughout the product lifecycle.

Having been involved with CE marking, UL approvals, and other conformance activities for many years, the experience gained is leading Product Approvals Ltd towards developing tools to assist product designers and manufacturers to carry out the required conformances processes, some of which are mandatory such as CE marking in Europe.