Introduction to technical regulations and standards for household appliances exported to EU countries

1. EU Technical Regulation Framework

1. New Approach Directives

   • Core principles : Directives only stipulate the basic requirements for product safety, health and environmental protection (Essential Requirements), and specific technical details are determined by harmonized standards (Harmonised Standards) clear.

   • Key instructions :

     Instruction number	Scope of application	Examples of Harmonized Standards
     2014/35/EU	Low Voltage Directive (LVD)	EN 60335 (General Safety of Household Electrical Appliances)
     2014/30/EU	Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)	EN 55014 (EMC emissions/immunity for household appliances)
     2011/65/EU	Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2.0)	EN 50581 (Testing for Hazardous Substances)
     2012/19/EU	Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)	Labeling and recycling requirements
     EC 1275/2008	Standby/off power consumption (ErP)	EN 50564 (measurement of power consumption)

2. Coordinated effectiveness of standards

   • Conformity with the harmonized standards (EN standards) is presumed to conform to the directive requirements.

   • Standards search platform : Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) Update the list in real time.

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2. Compulsory Certification and Conformity Assessment Procedures

CE certification process

Note : Some high-risk electrical appliances (such as industrial heating equipment) require a certificate issued by a notified body (such as TÜV, SGS).

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3. Mandatory requirements for labeling and packaging

1. General label content

   • CE mark, model/batch number, manufacturer/importer's EU address, electrical parameters (voltage/power)

   • Energy efficiency label : Energy efficiency class (A→G) according to (EU) 2017/1369

   • WEEE symbol (trash can with a cross): indicates the obligation to sort and recycle

   
   

2. Language and copywriting

   • Language of the country used : Instructions, safety warnings, and packaging must be in the official language of the country of sale (e.g. France → French)

   • Warning signs : such as the hot surface symbol (⚠️ + flame icon)

3. Packaging environmental protection requirements

   • Compliant with (EU) 2018/852 Packaging Waste Directive:

     • Ban harmful materials such as PVC

     • Printed recycling logo (e.g. carton → "♻️" + "PAP 21")

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IV. EMC key test items (EN 55014 series)

Note : Appliances with wireless functions (such as Bluetooth ovens) must additionally comply with the RED Directive (2014/53/EU) .

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V. Risks of Violations and Market Supervision

1. Customs spot checks

   • Missing technical documentation, non-compliant CE marking, unregistered EPR (packaging/WEEE recycling) → Detention/return of goods

2. Market supervision

   • Product safety failure or false energy efficiency labeling → Mandatory recall + fine (up to 4% of sales)

   • Typical case: A vacuum cleaner was notified by the EU due to EMC interference with GPS, and the recall loss exceeded 2 million euros.

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VI. Corporate Compliance Action List

1. Preliminary preparation :

   • Confirm the list of directives and harmonized standards applicable to the product (OJEU query)

   • Sign an agreement with the EU Authorized Representative (EAR) (mandatory requirement for non-EU companies)

2. Certification Execution :

   • Commissioned ISO 17025 accredited laboratory testing (full report retained)

   • Prepare technical documentation + sign DoC (refer to EU official website for template)

3. Label landing :

   • Printed compliance labels (CE+Energy Efficiency+WEEE)

   • Localized instruction manual (at least English/German/French/Italian/Spanish)

4. Ongoing Compliance :

   • Re-evaluation when product changes occur (e.g. material/circuit modifications)

   • Monitor EU regulatory updates (e.g., new circular economy requirements in the 2025 ERP Directive)

Tip : Starting from 2025, the EU will implement the Digital Product Passport (DPP) . It is recommended to plan product carbon footprint data tracking in advance.