Other markings
Several markings often appear on electrical products. Some are mandatory and others are mainly for information.
The Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive are examples of legislation governing which markings are mandatory. The most important marking your product must carry is the CE mark, but a type/model designation and a brand or manufacturer's name are also necessary so that the product can be traced. In addition, the manufacturer's postal address must be on the product so that the manufacturer can be contacted easily. If the product is imported, the postal address of the importer must also be shown on the product. If the product is too small, it may be possible to place this marking on the packaging.
What is the difference between the different markings?
CE mark
The CE mark shows that a product has been found to comply with the EU legislation applicable to the product bearing the CE mark. The CE mark is subject to special design requirements, and the EU declaration of conformity must make clear the directives under which the product has been CE marked.
Safety-related marking
The voltage the product is intended for must be stated, for example 230 V~50 Hz, maximum power in watts. In some cases, a degree of protection against liquid and dust must also be stated in the form of the IP code.
The product sometimes carries a square with a smaller square inside. This marking states that the product is double insulated, in other words Appliance Class II, often with a flat plug.
There are several EU directives
Other applicable directives are Directive 2011/65/EU - RoHS and Directive 2002/96/EC - WEEE.
The scope of the RoHS Directive is linked to Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Read more about these directives on the web sites of the Swedish Chemicals Agency (RoHs) and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (WEEE), which are the supervisory authorities for these directives.
Ecodesign and energy labelling
Ecodesign requirements mean that in future, the product cannot be used in the EU unless it has a certain energy efficiency and resource efficiency. Energy labelling requirements, on the other hand, tell the consumer how energy efficient the product is and allow the customer to make active choices. To find out more about ecodesign and energy labelling, see the Swedish Energy Agency's website.
Certification marks
Certification marks of various kinds are often placed on your product. They show that the product has been verified by an independent party.
