CE marking certification - worth it?

[nctnico]

CE is just a matter of applying a sticker if you are inside the EU but from the outside you'll have to certify.

I don't think that is correct. The same rules apply to EU-based manufacturers and to importers:

Yes, but sane importers don't want to get burned so they will want paperwork from an accredited lab. Self supplied measurement data won't do so a manufacturer located outside the EU is basically forced to spend the money on having the tests done externally.

Sorry, I still think you are spreading misinformation. Where do you get the idea that importers and EU-based manufacturers are treated differently? Do you have a reference for that?

Ask yourself this question: a Chinese company approaches you to sell their mains powered electronic product in the EU. What do you do to make sure the product is safe to sell and you have no risks of liabilities or needing to recall / replace the product because it doesn't adhere to the safetey and EMC standards?

The only sane answer is: have it tested by an accredited lab.

[ebastler]

Remember the EU has been invented by the Dutch

Really?? What are you referring to?

Just read up on the history of the EU. It started somewhere in the 50's with Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands having a trade association (Benelux).

That must be how they teach it in Dutch schools.

My local version: The predecessor to the EU was the Montanunion (European Coal & Steel Community). Founding members were France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. The initiative for founding the ECSC came from France and Germany (Schuman plan, originaly proposed by French foreign minister Robert Schuman to German chancellor Adenauer).

[ebastler]

Ask yourself this question: a Chinese company approaches you to sell their mains powered electronic product in the EU. What do you do to make sure the product is safe to sell and you have no risks of liabilities or needing to recall / replace the product because it doesn't adhere to the safetey and EMC standards?

The only sane answer is: have it tested by an accredited lab.

And why would different considerations apply for a sane EU-based manufacturer?
BTW, what do you mean by "accredited lab"?

[rsjsouza]

CE is just a matter of applying a sticker if you are inside the EU but from the outside you'll have to certify.

I don't think that is correct. The same rules apply to EU-based manufacturers and to importers:

Yes, but sane importers don't want to get burned so they will want paperwork from an accredited lab. Self supplied measurement data won't do so a manufacturer located outside the EU is basically forced to spend the money on having the tests done externally.

Third party testing of the final product is not required; if you have enough "shtick" you can produce your own test reports with calibrated equipment traceable to a local standard agency.

Also, RoHS and conflict mineral reports can be obtained from the parts suppliers.

You just need to be very cautious in covering absolutely ALL possible gaps in compliance: not only PCBs and parts but also cables, enclosure, paint, stickers, packaging, etc.