The CE mark is a safety certification mark, regarded as a passport for manufacturers to enter and open the European market. CE stands for European Conformity (CONFORMITÉ EUROPÉENNE). Any product bearing the “CE” mark can be sold in any EU member state without having to comply with each member state's individual requirements, thereby achieving the free circulation of goods within the EU member states. In the EU market, the “CE” mark is a mandatory certification mark. Whether the product is produced by an internal EU company or by a company from another country, if it is to circulate freely in the EU market, it must bear the “CE” mark to indicate that the product meets the essential requirements of the EU "New Approach to Technical Harmonization and Standards" directives. This is a mandatory requirement imposed by EU law on products.

CE certification constitutes the "main requirements" at the core of European directives, meaning it is limited to basic safety requirements ensuring that the product does not endanger humans, animals, or property, rather than general quality requirements. The harmonization directives only stipulate the main requirements, while general directive requirements are tasks of standards. Therefore, the precise meaning is that the CE mark is a safety conformity mark, not a quality conformity mark. 

CE certification for electric water heaters is carried out according to the LVD Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.

EU electric water heater CE certification standard EN 60335-2-35: The safety standard for household instant electric water heaters CE certification, EN 60335-2-35:2002/A2:2011 (published on October 1, 2011), came into effect. EN 60335-2-35:2002 A1:2006 A2:2011 became the harmonized standard for instant electric water heaters in compliance with the LVD Directive (2006/95/EC).

1. Test Items

Waterproof rating: At least IPX4 (splash-proof); bathroom-installed products require higher protection.

Corrosion resistance: Liner materials (enamel/stainless steel) must pass rigorous solution soaking tests.

Dry burn protection: Must be equipped with two independent thermal circuit breakers (resettable thermostat, non-resettable thermal fuse).

Pressure release: Closed water tanks must pass a hydrostatic test at 1.5 times the rated pressure.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

 Power terminal interference voltage (150kHz–30MHz) and radiated field strength (30MHz–1GHz) must meet limits.

 ncludes verification for scenarios such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), surge, and voltage dips.

3. Certification Process and Key Practical Points for Technical File Preparation (TCF)

Includes circuit diagrams, structural diagrams, BOM list, risk assessment reports, and certificates for key components (such as VDE/UL certification for thermostats and heating tubes).

The manual should include safety warnings, installation instructions, and WEEE disposal markings.

Sample Testing and Review

 Provide 3–5 complete units and key components (heating tubes, inner tanks, etc.); testing period is approximately 4–6 weeks.

 Key corrective items: grounding continuity, EMC filter design, insufficient creepage distances, etc.

Certification and Market Access

After passing, sign the "EU Declaration of Conformity" (DoC) and affix the CE mark (height ≥ 5mm). Non-EU manufacturers must designate an EU Authorized Representative (EAR), and technical files must be kept for at least 10 years.

Excess phthalates in plastic parts or excessive lead content in solder.

Recommendation: Choose RoHS-certified suppliers and conduct regular random inspections.

The Necessity of Applying for CE Certification:

CE certification provides unified technical standards for products from various countries to trade in the European market, simplifying trade procedures. Products from any country must obtain CE certification to enter the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the CE mark must be affixed to the product. Therefore, CE certification serves as a passport for products to enter the markets of the EU and EFTA countries.

CE certification indicates that a product has met the safety requirements specified by EU directives;

 it represents a commitment from the company to consumers and increases consumer trust in the product. 

Products with the CE mark also reduce the risks associated with selling in the European market. These risks include:

1. The risk of being detained or investigated by customs;

2. The risk of being investigated by market supervision authorities;

3. The risk of being accused by competitors for competitive purposes.