[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE marking label requirements EUProcess guide # CE Marking Label Requirements Getting the CE mark onto a product sounds straightforward — but the rules around size, placement, accompanying information, and permanence catch a lot of companies out. A technically compliant product with an incorrectly applied CE mark is still non-compliant. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-marking-label-requirements) ## CE mark size and format rules RuleRequirementNotes Minimum height5 mmThe CE marking must be at least 5 mm tall. If reduced below this size it becomes difficult to read and loses its legal validity. ProportionalityMust maintain aspect ratioThe CE mark can be scaled up or down, but the proportions between the C and the E must be maintained. Use only official artwork from the EU decision. VisibilityClearly visible, legible, indelibleThe mark must be permanently affixed — it cannot be applied by a removable sticker if the product will be used without its packaging. ContrastContrasting to backgroundThe CE mark must be legible against the surface it is applied to. White mark on white background is not acceptable. ## What else must appear alongside the CE mark ### Manufacturer name and address Required on all CE-marked products — must include the manufacturer's registered trading name and full postal address including country. ### Importer name and address (if non-EU manufacturer) When a non-EU manufacturer places products via an EU importer, the importer's name and address must also appear on the product or packaging. ### Product type, batch, serial number, or version Required to enable traceability — must allow the specific unit to be linked to its conformity assessment and technical file. ### Year of manufacture (some directives) Certain directives require the year of CE marking to appear alongside or as part of the mark, especially when a Notified Body number is included. ### Notified Body number (where required) If a Notified Body was involved in the conformity assessment (Module B+C, etc.), their four-digit NB number must follow the CE mark. ### Restricted use symbol (if applicable) Products requiring specific installation conditions or limited to professional use may need additional warning symbols or use restrictions. ## Placement priority order 01 On the product itself — preferred location. Applied to the product's main visible surface where inspection is likely. 02 On a type plate or permanent label affixed to the product — acceptable if direct marking is not feasible due to product size or material. 03 On the product's packaging — acceptable only if the product is too small to accommodate the CE mark directly (e.g., small modules, components). 04 In the accompanying documentation — only permitted as a last resort when none of the above is possible. Must be stated which document contains the marking. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use a printed sticker for the CE mark? A sticker is acceptable if it is permanent — meaning it cannot be removed without damage, and it will not fall off during normal use. A standard label sticker that peels off cleanly does not meet the indelible requirement. Permanently bonded labels, laser-engraved markings, moulded-in markings, and screen printing are all acceptable. ### What font or style does the CE mark use? The CE mark has a fixed graphic form defined by Council Decision 93/465/EEC and the EU Blue Guide. It is not a specific typeface — it is a regulated graphical symbol. Use only the official CE mark artwork from EU official sources. Do not recreate it from scratch using a font character. ### Must the CE mark appear on the packaging? The CE mark must appear on the product itself where practicable. The packaging may also carry the CE mark, but packaging alone is not sufficient if the mark can be placed on the product. The mark must remain with the product throughout its lifecycle. ### What if my product is too small for a 5mm CE mark? The 5mm minimum can only be waived if the size or nature of the product makes it impossible. In that case, the mark may appear on the packaging and in accompanying documents. This exception must be justified and documented — regulators may challenge it if they believe marking on the product was feasible. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Not legal advice. Always use official CE mark artwork from EU sources and verify labelling requirements under each applicable directive. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers) Related guides * [CE marking overviewCE marking is a manufacturer's declaration that a product meets all applicable EU requirements.](/guides/ce-marking) * [How to create a Declaration of ConformityStep-by-step guide to creating a legally valid EU Declaration of Conformity: required elements, common mistakes, and an example…](/guides/how-to-create-declaration-of-conformity) * [WEEE Directive complianceA practical guide to WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU compliance for hardware companies: registration requirements, labelling with the…](/guides/weee-directive-compliance) * [CE marking for consumer electronicsComplete guide to CE marking for consumer electronics: applicable directives, testing requirements, cost breakdown, and realist…](/guides/ce-marking-for-consumer-electronics) * [CE Marking Size and Placement RulesExact rules for CE mark dimensions, proportions, and placement under the EU Blue Guide 2022: the 5 mm minimum height, reduced-size options for small devices, notified body number placement, and the artwork mistakes that trigger market surveillance findings.](/guides/ce-marking-size-placement)