CE-FIRST-AID!
IMPORT COMPLETELY "EASY" WITH OUR HELP
We support you with all questions and aspects of importing into the European market. Avoid costly delays and legal risks – contact easyCE for your CE first aid!
Willy Lebherz
Geschäftsführer easyCE GmbH
Emergency service
We prepare the missing CE documentation in time so you can meet your deadlines and avoid production downtime.
Conformity assessment
We eliminate your headaches with EU requirements through thorough product inspections, so you can sell without compliance worries.
Customs communication
Stressed with customs authorities? easyCE handles the complicated communication for you.
Review and improve
We review and improve your existing documentation to ensure it is legally compliant and that you risk no fines.
CE marking applied!
All done! You just need to apply the CE marking.
CE First Aid: We help when it’s urgent
Customs issues
Problems with your sales channel
Implement active finishing correctly
Handle official inquiries effectively
Importers are responsible for creating and proving CE marking, except in special cases.
If your product is held by customs, you can quickly find yourself in a difficult situation. Each day of delay means rising storage costs, while the threat of product destruction looms over you. Authorities demand proof of conformity, and without it, you cannot release your goods or fulfill your business obligations. Such a standstill not only costs money but also jeopardizes your customer relationships and your reputation as a reliable supplier.
easyCE supports you in quickly resolving customs issues through expert CE consulting. We help you create or review the required proof of conformity, communicate directly with authorities if needed, and work tirelessly to get your products back on the market. With our expertise, we minimize your downtime and protect your investment from costly measures like destruction.
When major trading platforms or retailers question the conformity of your products, your entire distribution channel suddenly comes under threat. The risk of delisting can arise without warning and potentially result in significant revenue losses. This is especially frustrating when you are confident that your products comply with applicable regulations but cannot provide the necessary proof quickly enough.
easyCE helps you always have the required proof of conformity on hand. Our experts assist in systematically organizing all technical documentation and presenting it immediately upon request. With structured conformity management, you can respond professionally to doubts from trading partners and avoid costly delistings. Instead of panicking, you can confidently address inquiries and secure your distribution channels.
Companies that import goods for processing or repair and then export them again face complex customs requirements. Proper handling of the active finishing procedure requires specialized expertise and precise documentation. Mistakes can lead to significant delays, additional payments, or even fines.
easyCE supports you in legally compliant implementation of the active finishing procedure. Our experts help you apply for the necessary approvals, maintain the required documentation, and ensure the entire process meets customs regulations. We make sure you can benefit from customs exemptions for your imported goods while focusing on your core business.
When market surveillance authorities, customs, or the Federal Network Agency contact your company and question the conformity of your products, this can cause significant stress and uncertainty. Such inquiries require quick action and the presentation of complete technical documentation. Many companies are unprepared for this situation and risk product recalls, sales bans, or even substantial fines due to delayed or insufficient responses.
easyCE supports you in professionally handling official inquiries. Our experts help you compile the required proof, review your existing documentation for completeness, and advise you on communication with the authorities. With our experience in market surveillance processes, we can identify and address potential weaknesses in your conformity documentation before they lead to bigger problems. With easyCE, you turn an official inquiry from a threatening situation into an opportunity to sustainably improve your compliance processes.
We support you with CE marking and all accompanying measures
Over 300 CE markings for machines since 2021 and more every day...
CE First Aid: Your guide to successful importing into the EU
Preparation is the key to success
The right documentation – The be-all and end-all of export
Understanding the role of the EU Authorized Representative
Special considerations for imports from China
The foundation for a smooth import into the EU begins long before the shipment of goods. Careful planning includes accurately identifying the relevant EU directives and standards for your product. Ensure that all necessary tests are carried out and the corresponding evidence is collected. Compiling complete technical documentation early saves time and costs during customs clearance.
For a successful import into the EU, complete documentation is essential. This includes:
- EU Declaration of Conformity indicating all relevant and applied directives
- Complete technical documentation according to the requirements of the applicable EU directives
- Operating instructions in the language of the destination country
- Test reports from recognized testing laboratories (e.g., EMC certificate)
- Correct product labeling (nameplate) including CE marking
Since the introduction of Regulation 2019/1020, manufacturers from non-EU countries need a "responsible economic operator" in the EU. This can be an EU importer, an authorized representative, or a fulfillment service provider. This economic operator must ensure that the Declaration of Conformity and the technical documentation are prepared and available to market surveillance authorities upon request. The appointment of this person or organization should be made before import.
The problem with counterfeit CE markings
Many Chinese manufacturers use the "China Export" mark, which looks deceptively similar to the official CE marking. The difference lies in the spacing of the letters—a small detail with significant consequences. Products with counterfeit CE markings are rejected by customs and can have serious legal implications for the importer.
Additionally, many Chinese products have deficiencies in their documentation. Often, proper operating instructions, complete risk assessments, or adequate technical documentation are missing. Therefore, importers are strongly advised to conduct a thorough review of the provided documents. easyCE is happy to perform this review for you.
Only with easyCE, CE marking is worry-free
Approach to CE marking
Flexibility and concept of support
Scope & scale of support
Contact during project work
Simplified and pragmatic approach to CE marking to ensure complianceg
In line with to your needs, our experts will take you along the CE marking journey
You choose our support model: From "One-stop-shop full service", to partial and modular - whatever you prefer
First things you receive your dedicated, personal CE expert who will support you along the entire process
Other CE service providers
Often without a sense of proportion and unnecessarily complicated
Mostly flexible but often bureaucratic
Mostly flexible in the extent of support
Mostly personal contact
CE software
Follows a standardised process that does not take special features into account
Double burden for you: Software administration + no support for processing
Only according to software scope and purchased modules
No contact
We simplify CE-marking, not the opposite
Peference Projects
CE FIRST AID for customs issues of a mobile concrete pump
easyCE assisted a manufacturer of mobile concrete pumps in preparing the legally required noise emission documentation according to Directive 2000/14/EC – a common obstacle for importing into the EU.
Our experts supported the measurement process, evaluation, and standardized documentation of noise emissions. In addition, all necessary technical documentation and the risk assessment were fully prepared, ensuring conformity and successfully facilitating market access.
Includes, among others: 2000/14/EC, 2006/42/EC, EN ISO 12100, EN 12001, EN ISO 4413
CE FIRST AID for an automatic cat litter box
easyCE assisted an importer whose automatic cat litter box was held at EU customs due to missing CE marking and insufficient technical documentation. Our specialists prepared the complete conformity documentation for the electronic household device, which is equipped with sensor technology and automatic cleaning mechanisms. Special focus was placed on the safety assessment of the electrical components and the correct classification as a household appliance. By quickly providing standards-compliant documentation, the product was released promptly, minimizing economic losses from storage costs.
Includes, among others: 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU, EN IEC 63000, EN 61000-3-3, EN 61000-3-2
CE FIRST AID: Urgent official clearance for a facial cleansing brush
easyCE handled the emergency documentation for an electric facial cleansing brush that was held by German authorities due to missing CE documentation. Under significant time pressure, our team prepared the complete conformity documentation for the electrical product within the authorities’ 10-day deadline. The precise classification as a cosmetic device operating at 5 V low voltage enabled correct application of the relevant directives without unnecessary regulatory hurdles. By providing all required documents on time, official clearance was achieved, avoiding costly delays.
Includes, among others: 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU, EN IEC 55014-1, EN IEC 55014-2, EN IEC 63000
CE FIRST AID for mini excavators
easyCE assisted with the import of mini excavators by preparing the necessary documents, such as the Declaration of Conformity, risk assessment, and product analysis. Due to the diverse requirements for earth-moving machinery, we researched the various testing requirements and provided support in communication with the customs authorities. We created a detailed list of required tests and particularly helped ensure compliance with the Outdoor Directive 2000/14/EC.
Includes, among others: 2000/14/EC, EN 474-1, EN 474-5, etc.
Learn more about our project references and success stories
Get CE-marking done in 3 simple steps
Step 1
Request our expert opinion
Ask for our expert opinion free of charge and find out what is necessary for the CE marking of your product. Be prepared to describe your product in broad terms.
Step 2
Receive an offer
If your product is subject to CE marking, we offer you our support with the CE marking and all accompanying measures. We would be happy to explain the necessary steps over the phone.
Step 3
We get it done
When you place an order, you will be assigned your own personal CE expert who will carry out your CE marking and accompany you throughout the entire process. Your expert will also be at your side after the CE marking has been successfully completed.
We support you with CE marking and all accompanying measures
Q&A
How long does customs clearance take for compliant products in the EU?
The duration of customs clearance varies depending on the EU member state, product category, and current workload of the customs authorities. With complete and correct documentation, clearance typically takes
typically 1–3 business days. Certain products subject to higher safety requirements (such as medical devices or toys) may require longer processing times, as they might undergo additional inspections.
Can I apply CE markings myself if my products are held at customs?
No, retroactively applying CE markings at customs is not allowed. The CE marking must already be applied before import and supported by the appropriate documentation (especially the EU Declaration of Conformity). Retroactive
marking may be considered an attempt at deception and can lead to legal consequences. In such cases, the products must be returned to the manufacturer to properly complete the conformity assessment process.
Which documents must I have ready for import?
The essential documents for any import are:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport documents (waybill, bill of lading)
- EU Declaration of Conformity for CE-mandatory products
- Certificates and test reports (depending on product category)
- Certificate of origin (if preferential tariffs are claimed)
- Operating instructions in the language of the destination country. It is recommended to have these documents available both digitally and in paper form.
How much does it cost if my goods are held at customs?
The costs for goods held at customs can be significant and consist of:
- Storage fees (depending on volume)
- Inspection fees
- Additional document verification
- Transport costs for return or rerouting (depending on weight and distance)
- Business losses due to delayed delivery
- Costs can increase significantly, especially if the goods are held for an extended period.
How can I determine if a Chinese supplier uses authentic CE markings?
To verify the authenticity of CE markings from Chinese suppliers, you should:
- Check the correct marking (the letters C and E should have the proper spacing and shape)
- Request complete technical documentation and test reports
- Ask for certificates from recognized European testing laboratories
- Obtain references from other EU customers
- Have the documentation reviewed by experts; easyCE is happy to assist you with this
Special caution is advised if the supplier offers very low prices or claims to cover all products with a single certificate.
Is the risk assessment according to EN ISO 12100, EN ISO 13849-1, EN 62061 required?
The risk assessment is a central part of the conformity assessment procedure required by the Machinery Directive. The standards ISO 12100, EN ISO 13849-1, and EN 62061 are the main standards for risk assessment. For electrical products and other product types, additional specific standards may be required.
Who is responsible for CE marking, conformity assessment, and risk assessment? How must the CE mark be applied?
General questions like these are answered here
Trust the experts of product safety and compliance
Willy Lebherz - Founder and Managing Director of easyCE
- Expert in product safety and compliance, since 1995
- Recipient of the "Medal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany", awarded in 1983 by the then Federal President Carl Carstens
- Master of measurement and control technology
- Captain (ret.), Project Officer for Technical Logistics in the Army Material Office and Chief of the Telecommunications Repair Company
easyCE is a digital, dynamic engineering office with a focus on product safety and product conformity. We support manufacturers, operators and dealers in designing products safely and offering them on the market in compliance. We are a "full-service provider" and can take over the entire conformity assessment process for you if you wish. To do this, we support you in carrying out risk assessments, researching standards, product analyses, developing suitable safety precautions, preparing user-friendly technical documentation, coordinating tests and all other accompanying measures. easyCE was founded in southern Germany, but is now active globally.
We know the special features that you need to take into account when CE marking your product and we are happy to help you.