Compliance Checklist

CE Marking
Home & Kitchen
Germany 🇩🇪

Comprehensive compliance checklist for CE marking of home and kitchen products in Germany. Covers Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Ecodesign Regulations, and the Product Safety Act (ProdSG).

Overview

Electrical home and kitchen appliances such as blenders, coffee machines, kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, food processors, and air fryers are subject to multiple CE-relevant directives simultaneously in the EU. Depending on functionality, the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), EMC Directive, Machinery Directive, and Radio Equipment Directive (RED) may apply. For the German market, additional requirements include ProdSG, WEEE registration with Stiftung EAR, and energy efficiency labeling. This checklist covers all necessary steps for complete CE conformity.

Does this apply to my product?

This checklist applies to electrical and electronic home and kitchen appliances with a rated voltage between 50 and 1000 V AC or 75 and 1500 V DC. Covers small appliances (blenders, toasters, kettles, coffee machines, irons), large appliances (dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators), and motor-driven devices (food processors, vacuum cleaners). Also applies to non-electric kitchen appliances that may fall under the Machinery Directive (e.g., manual meat grinders).

Step-by-Step Guide

Progress0/18 (0%)

Identify Applicable EU Directives and Harmonized Standards

Home and kitchen appliances typically fall under multiple CE directives simultaneously. Correctly identifying all applicable directives and standards is the most important first step, as it determines the entire scope of testing.

Estimated time: 1-5 Tage

Create applicable directives matrixRequired

Systematically check: LVD 2014/35/EU (electrical safety, 50-1000V AC), EMC 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility), Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (for moving parts like cutting blades, stirring mechanisms), RED 2014/53/EU (for WiFi, Bluetooth), RoHS 2011/65/EU (substance restrictions), Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2021 ff. (for energy-related products).

Assign harmonized product standardsRequired

Identify product-specific harmonized standards: EN 60335-1 (general safety household appliances), EN 60335-2-xx (product-specific, e.g., -2-9 grills, -2-14 food processors, -2-15 liquid heaters, -2-24 refrigerators), EN 55014-1/-2 (EMC for household appliances), EN 62233 (EMF exposure). Check the current list of harmonized standards in the EU Official Journal.

List of all applicable directives and harmonized standards

Check food contact materials conformityRequired

Kitchen appliances that come into contact with food must additionally comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 on food contact materials and, if applicable, the Plastics Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 or the German BedGgstV for materials such as silicone, metal, or ceramics.

Have Safety Tests and EMC Tests Conducted

For CE marking of home and kitchen appliances, extensive testing per harmonized standards is required. Although the conformity assessment procedure formally allows self-declaration (Module A), accredited test reports are indispensable in practice.

Estimated time: 4-12 Wochen

Commission LVD safety testing per EN 60335Required

Commission an accredited laboratory (TUeV, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, DEKRA) for complete EN 60335-1 and product-specific EN 60335-2-xx testing. Testing covers: insulation test, temperature rise test, creepage distances, mechanical strength, stability, moisture resistance, protection against electric shock, abnormal operation conditions, and fire safety.

Complete EN 60335 test report

Commission EMC testing per EN 55014Required

Commission EMC testing per EN 55014-1 (emissions) and EN 55014-2 (immunity). Testing must be performed in an accredited EMC laboratory with appropriate measurement chamber. Consider all operating modes of the appliance (e.g., different speed settings for blenders).

EMC test report per EN 55014-1 and EN 55014-2

Create RoHS conformity and material declarationRequired

Create a RoHS declaration of conformity per Directive 2011/65/EU. Check all components and materials for the 10 restricted substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium VI, PBB, PBDE, 4 phthalates). Request material data sheets and RoHS declarations from all suppliers.

RoHS declaration of conformity and material declaration

Conduct food contact tests (for kitchen appliances)Required

For kitchen appliances with food contact: commission migration tests per Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 (plastics) or relevant national regulations (BedGgstV for silicone, metal, ceramics). Test overall migration and specific migration of critical substances. Create a declaration of conformity per Art. 15 and 16 of Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.

Migration test report and FCM declaration of conformity

Create Technical Documentation and EU Declaration of Conformity

Create complete technical documentation for each applicable directive and an EU Declaration of Conformity covering all relevant directives. Documentation must be kept for 10 years and be available for immediate presentation upon request by market surveillance authorities.

Estimated time: 1-3 Wochen

Create EU Declaration of Conformity for all directivesRequired

Create a combined EU Declaration of Conformity covering all applicable directives (LVD, EMC, RoHS, optionally Machinery Directive, RED). Content: manufacturer data, product identification (model, type, batch), reference to all directives, applied harmonized standards with issue date, signature of responsible person with date. Create in German and English.

EU Declaration of Conformity (DE/EN)

Compile technical documentationRequired

Compile: product description and photos, circuit diagrams and block diagrams, bills of materials with supplier details, all test reports (LVD, EMC, RoHS, FCM), risk analysis, design drawings with critical dimensions, description of safety measures, manufacturing control plan, and production monitoring procedures.

Create risk analysis per ISO 12100 / EN 60335Required

Create a documented risk analysis identifying all electrical, thermal, mechanical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards of the appliance under normal and foreseeable misuse conditions. For appliances under the Machinery Directive, a risk assessment per ISO 12100 is mandatory.

Labeling, Instructions, and Packaging for the German Market

Home and kitchen appliances for the German market require extensive labeling, German-language operating instructions, and GPSR-compliant contact information. Additionally, energy labeling requirements apply for certain appliance groups.

Estimated time: 1-3 Wochen

Correctly apply CE marking and mandatory informationRequired

Apply: CE marking (min. 5mm, proportional), manufacturer name and address, importer name and address (for non-EU manufacture), EU responsible person per GPSR, type designation and model number, rated voltage/frequency/power, serial number or batch identifier, WEEE symbol (crossed-out wheelie bin).

Create German-language operating instructionsRequired

The operating instructions must be in German and contain: safety instructions, intended use, setup/installation instructions, operation and cleaning, troubleshooting, technical specifications, disposal instructions. Use warning symbols per ISO 3864-2 and signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) per ANSI Z535.6 / ISO 3864.

German-language operating instructions

Check and apply energy efficiency labeling

Check whether your product falls under EU energy labeling (Regulation (EU) 2017/1369). Applies to: refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, range hoods, vacuum cleaners (currently suspended). Create the EU energy label and product data sheet, register the product in the EPREL database.

WEEE and Packaging Registration for Germany

For distributing home and kitchen appliances in Germany, WEEE registration with Stiftung EAR and packaging registration in the LUCID system are mandatory. Without these registrations, legal sales are not possible.

Estimated time: 2-6 Wochen

Complete WEEE registration with Stiftung EARRequired

Register with Stiftung EAR (ear-system.de): brand, device type (e.g., collection group 1 for heat exchangers, group 4 for large appliances, group 5 for small appliances), sales volume forecast. Conclude a contract with a take-back system (e.g., take-e-way, Landbell, ERP) for insolvency-proof guarantee.

WEEE registration confirmation (Reg. No. DE)Contract with take-back system

LUCID packaging registration and system participationRequired

Register all packaging types in the LUCID register (verpackungsregister.org): sales packaging (carton, blister), secondary packaging, service packaging (e.g., films), transport packaging (if delivered to end consumers). Conclude a system participation contract with a dual system.

LUCID registration number

Check Battery Regulation (if battery-operated)

If your appliance contains batteries or rechargeable batteries: register with Stiftung GRS Batterien or another take-back system per the Battery Act (BattG). The new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 introduces additional requirements for labeling, information obligations, and carbon footprint.

GRS registration confirmation (if applicable)

Implement GPSR Compliance and Marketplace Requirements

Since December 2024, the requirements of GPSR (EU) 2023/988 must be met. For online sales on Amazon.de, eBay, and other marketplaces, additional documentation obligations apply.

Estimated time: 1-3 Tage

Designate EU responsible person for GPSRRequired

Designate the EU responsible person per GPSR Art. 16 and ensure their contact details are visible on the product, packaging, and all online listings. Enter the data in the Amazon Compliance Portal and with other marketplaces.

Compile compliance documents for marketplacesRequired

Prepare all documents required by marketplaces: EU Declaration of Conformity, test reports (LVD, EMC), WEEE Reg. No. DE, LUCID No., GPSR contact details, product images with visible markings. Amazon frequently requires these documents during category approval or compliance checks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong or incomplete EN 60335-2-xx standard applied

Consequence: The declaration of conformity is invalid. Market surveillance inspection can result in sales stop and recall. In case of accidents from uncovered risks, the manufacturer/importer is fully liable.

Prevention: Have the standard assignment reviewed by an experienced testing laboratory or compliance consultant. The EN 60335 series comprises over 80 product-specific sub-standards - incorrect assignment is easily possible.

Food contact conformity for kitchen appliances forgotten

Consequence: Violation of Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Health risk from migrating harmful substances. RAPEX notification, product recall, damage claims. Food safety authorities check this separately from CE conformity.

Prevention: Identify early all product parts that could come into contact with food. Commission migration tests and create an FCM declaration of conformity for each food-contact material.

EMC tests only performed in standard operating mode

Consequence: The appliance may exceed EMC limits in certain operating modes (e.g., turbo mode, heating phase) and interfere with other devices. During market surveillance inspection, the product is measured in worst-case operation.

Prevention: Commission EMC tests in all relevant operating modes and load conditions. Inform the testing laboratory about all functions and operating modes of the appliance.

Machinery Directive ignored for kitchen appliances with moving parts

Consequence: Incomplete CE marking. Food processors, stand mixers, and meat grinders with accessible moving parts fall under the Machinery Directive. Missing conformity means invalid CE marking and full liability risk in case of accidents.

Prevention: Systematically check whether your appliance has moving parts that could pose a hazard. If necessary, create a risk assessment per ISO 12100 and a separate declaration of conformity for the Machinery Directive.

WEEE registration in wrong collection group

Consequence: Incorrect fee calculation and potential back-payment. Stiftung EAR can challenge the registration. Amazon can block ASINs if the WEEE category does not match the product category.

Prevention: Carefully distinguish between collection groups: Group 1 (heat exchangers like refrigerators), Group 4 (large appliances over 50cm), Group 5 (small appliances under 50cm). Use the EAR device type catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1Do I need both LVD and Machinery Directive conformity for a food processor?

Yes, in most cases. The LVD covers electrical safety risks (insulation, temperature rise, electric shock), while the Machinery Directive addresses mechanical risks from moving parts (cutting blades, stirring mechanism, kneading hook). Both directives require separate conformity assessments and must be referenced in the EU Declaration of Conformity.

Q2Which EN 60335-2-xx standard applies to my kitchen appliance?

Most common sub-standards for kitchen appliances: EN 60335-2-9 (grills, toasters, waffle makers), EN 60335-2-14 (food processors, blenders), EN 60335-2-15 (kettles, coffee machines), EN 60335-2-24 (refrigerators), EN 60335-2-25 (microwaves), EN 60335-2-36 (commercial cooking appliances). Some devices fall under multiple sub-standards - an accredited laboratory can determine the correct assignment.

Q3Does my kitchen appliance need to be registered in the EPREL database?

Only if it falls under EU energy labeling. Affected kitchen appliances: refrigerators and freezers (Regulation (EU) 2019/2016), dishwashers (Regulation (EU) 2019/2017), ovens and range hoods (Regulation (EU) No. 65/2014 and 66/2014). Small appliances like blenders, toasters, and kettles do not require EPREL registration.

Q4What do I need to consider for kitchen appliances with WiFi or Bluetooth?

Kitchen appliances with radio functions (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) additionally fall under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. This requires separate radio testing, registration, and from August 1, 2025, compliance with cybersecurity requirements (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30). RED replaces the LVD and EMC Directive within its scope for radio aspects.

Q5Is a Chinese test report sufficient or do I need a European one?

A test report from a Chinese laboratory is generally not accepted by German market surveillance unless the laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and this accreditation is recognized by an ILAC MRA member (e.g., CNAS). In practice, testing by an EU-recognized laboratory (TUeV, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) or at minimum validation of Chinese reports by an EU laboratory is recommended.

Q6How does CE marking differ for large and small appliances?

The fundamental CE requirements (LVD, EMC, RoHS) are identical. Differences exist in: WEEE collection group (large appliances in group 4 vs. small appliances in group 5, with different fees), energy efficiency labeling obligation (only for certain large appliances), ecodesign requirements (product-specific regulations for large appliances). Large appliances often require more extensive testing and higher test costs.

CE MarkingHome & KitchenGermany 🇩🇪