You've
been seeing it for years now on the backs of computers and other
electronic products or on the boxes they come in. What does that
bold, black, rounded "CE" signify?
It means the product conforms with all health, safety and environmental
protection standards of the 18-nation European Union and is therefore
eligible to be sold within those countries. CE is an acronym for
Conformité Européene, French for "European
Conformity."
Adopted in 1993, the CE labeling program aims to standardize
regulations across the continent as part of long-time efforts
to create a single European market, facilitate trade and encourage
economic development.
The CE mark is required on a wide range of products, from air
traffic control equipment and explosives used in road construction
to refrigerators, gas water heaters, helmets, toys and heart pacemakers.
Sources: Tom Bogenschild, director,
off-campus programs; various industry websites.
