CE Marking Rules Explained: Size, Shape & Placement

CE Mark Size, Shape, and Placement Rules: How to Apply the CE Mark Correctly (2025 Guide)

To sell a product on the European market, obtaining a CE certificate alone is not enough. The CE mark must also be applied correctly on the product in accordance with EU legislation.

Incorrect size, wrong proportions, poor placement, or non-permanent marking can cause a product to be deemed non-compliant, leading to fines, recalls, or market bans.

This guide explains how the CE mark must look, how big it should be, where it should be placed, and what the legal requirements are, based on current EU rules.

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What Is the CE Mark and Why Is It Important?

The CE mark (Conformité Européenne) is a mandatory conformity marking indicating that a product complies with the European Union’s health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.

Correct CE marking is essential for:

• Customs clearance in the EU
• Market surveillance inspections
• Selling on online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
• Protecting consumer safety
• Avoiding legal penalties

Incorrect CE marking may be treated as false or misleading conformity, sometimes confused with the illegal “China Export” logo.

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Official Shape of the CE Mark (Legal Requirements)

The shape of the CE mark is strictly defined by the European Commission and must not be altered. The official CE symbol must meet these conditions:

• The “C” is drawn as a precise semi-circle
• The “E” has an open internal structure
• Letter proportions follow a fixed geometric design

🚫 Letter thickness, spacing, or angles may not be changed.

🚫 Custom-designed CE logos are not allowed.

🚫 “China Export” symbols are illegal in the EU.

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CE Mark Size Requirements

Minimum Size Rule

• Minimum height: 5 mm – This is the smallest legally permitted size for the CE mark.

Scaling Rules

• The CE mark may be enlarged or reduced
• Proportions must remain exactly the same
• Letter spacing and line thickness cannot be distorted

Exception for Small Products

If the product is too small to carry a 5 mm CE mark:

1. Place the CE mark on the packaging.
2. If that is not possible, place it in the user manual or accompanying documents.

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How to Apply the CE Mark on a Product

1. The CE Mark Must Be Visible and Indelible

The CE mark must be applied using permanent methods, such as:

• Laser marking
• Engraving
• Permanent printing
• Durable, non-removable labels

❌ Easily removable stickers or temporary markings are not accepted.

2. Correct Placement on the Product

The CE mark should be placed in a clearly visible location, commonly:

• On the product housing
• On the nameplate or rating label
• On the back or bottom of the product
• Inside the battery compartment (if appropriate)

3. Alternative Placement When Necessary

For very small products, the CE mark may appear on:

• The product packaging
• The technical data sheet
• The user instructions or manual

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What Does the 4-Digit Number Next to the CE Mark Mean?

Some products require a Notified Body to be involved in conformity assessment. In these cases, a 4-digit identification number appears next to the CE mark.

Example: CE 1234 → Product assessed by Notified Body number 1234.

This number is mandatory for products such as:

• Pressure equipment
• Gas appliances
• Most medical devices
• PPE Category III
• ATEX equipment
• Certain high-risk machinery

If no Notified Body is involved, no number must be added.

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Risks and Penalties for Incorrect CE Marking

Incorrect use of the CE mark can result in:

• Products stopped or rejected at customs
• Market withdrawal or product recalls
• Administrative fines
• Legal investigations
• Damage to brand reputation

EU market surveillance authorities take CE marking violations very seriously.

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Conclusion: The CE Mark Is a Legal Declaration, Not Just a Logo

The CE mark is not a marketing symbol – it is a legal commitment that the product complies with EU legislation.

For this reason, the CE mark’s:

• Shape
• Size
• Placement
• Permanence

are strictly regulated. Correct CE marking is essential for legal compliance, market access, and long-term brand trust.