CE certificate and quality marks (2026)

Short answer: For most products, a "CE certificate" does not exist. What you need is an EU declaration of conformity and a technical file, after which you apply the CE marking yourself. This only applies to product groups covered by European CE rules, such as electronics and toys. In addition, since December 2024 the GPSR requires safety and contact information for all consumer products.

CE marking, CE certificate and quality mark: the difference

CE is therefore not a quality mark. It is a declaration by the manufacturer. A "certificate" your supplier sends along is often a test report in another company's name, and it does not automatically cover your product.

Which products need CE marking?

Only products covered by a European CE directive or regulation. For bol sellers these are mainly:

• Electrical and electronic devices (low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility)

• Products with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or another radio function

• Toys for children under 14

• Personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, protective gloves)

• Machinery and power tools

• Medical devices

• Construction products

For clothing, kitchen textiles, furniture without electronics or home accessories, for example, no CE marking applies. Putting a CE logo on them anyway is not allowed.

Who is responsible: you or your supplier?

Anyone who places a product on the European market under their own name or brand is considered the manufacturer. If you have a product made in China with your brand on it, you are responsible for the CE marking and the documents, not your supplier. If you resell a well-known brand, that responsibility lies with the brand owner and the importer; you check that the marking and documents are in place.

Arranging CE marking in 6 steps

1. Determine which directives apply. A wireless speaker, for example, falls under the radio equipment directive as well as the rules for electronics.

2. Determine which standards you apply. For each directive there are harmonised European standards your product must meet.

3. Have the product tested. An accredited test lab tests against those standards. For most products you may arrange this yourself; for high-risk products a notified body is mandatory.

4. Compile the technical file. Design, components, test reports, risk assessment and user manual.

5. Draw up the EU declaration of conformity in your company's name.

6. Apply the CE marking to the product or, if that is not possible, to the packaging. Keep the file for at least 10 years.

GPSR: the rules that apply to all products

Since 13 December 2024 the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies. It covers almost all consumer products, including products without CE marking. The main requirements:

• There is a responsible economic operator within the EU. If your manufacturer is outside the EU, that is you or an authorised representative.

• The name, postal address and electronic contact address of the manufacturer (and, if applicable, the EU responsible person) are on the product, the packaging or an accompanying document.

• The product can be identified by a type, batch or serial number.

• Warnings and safety information are in the language of the country of sale. Bol customers are in the Netherlands and Belgium, so Dutch is required; for Belgium also French.

Online marketplaces must also show this information in the product listing. Bol therefore asks for the manufacturer and responsible person details in your content. If they are missing, your product risks being taken offline.

Other obligations that are often forgotten

• Electrical devices and batteries: producers and importers must register for the collection and recycling of waste equipment and batteries in every country where they sell. If you sell directly to Dutch consumers from another country, you must also register in the Netherlands, often through an authorised representative. The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol belongs on the product.

• Packaging: extended producer responsibility for packaging also applies in the Netherlands.

• Toys: age warnings (such as "not suitable for children under 36 months") are mandatory where applicable.

If you are unsure which rules apply to your product, consult a test lab or compliance specialist before you buy stock. Fixing it afterwards costs more.

Voluntary quality marks: when are they worth it?

Quality marks such as GS (geprüfte Sicherheit), TÜV, KEMA-KEUR, OEKO-TEX (textiles), FSC (wood and paper) or the EU Ecolabel are not mandatory. They can increase conversion in categories where customers care about safety or sustainability, such as baby products, bedding and electric heating. Only mention a quality mark if you actually have it; a false quality mark is misleading and can lead to your product being removed.

Checklist before your first purchase order

Common mistakes

1. Accepting the supplier's "CE certificate" without checking which product and which company it was issued for.

2. Assuming the supplier is responsible while you sell the product under your own brand.

3. Applying CE marking to products for which it does not apply.

4. Only thinking about CE and forgetting the GPSR details.

5. Supplying warnings only in English or your own language instead of Dutch.

How Rylee helps

Compliance is part of choosing your product. In Rylee you see suppliers and purchase prices for every product right away; request the test reports and declaration of conformity before you order. After compliance come your EAN codes and your trademark registration. The full process is in the step-by-step plan for your own brand.

Frequently asked questions about CE certificates and quality marks

1. Do I need a CE certificate to sell on bol?

Only if your product is covered by a European CE rule, such as electronics, toys or personal protective equipment. You then need an EU declaration of conformity and a technical file. A real certificate from a notified body is only mandatory for certain high-risk products.

2. What is the difference between CE marking and a quality mark?

CE marking is a mandatory declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets European requirements. A quality mark, such as GS or OEKO-TEX, is a voluntary label from an independent party.

3. Is my supplier responsible for the CE marking?

Not if you sell the product under your own brand. Anyone who places a product on the European market under their own name counts as the manufacturer and is responsible.

4. What is the GPSR?

The EU General Product Safety Regulation, in force since 13 December 2024. It covers almost all consumer products and requires, among other things, a responsible party in the EU, manufacturer details on the product and safety information in the language of the country of sale.

5. In which language do warnings need to be for bol?

In Dutch for the Netherlands. If you also sell in Belgium, French is required as well.

6. How long must I keep the CE documents?

At least 10 years after the product was placed on the market.