In October 2002, the European Union drafted Directive 72/245/EEC, which was later amended with further requirements (95/54/EC). This directive was created for all electronic vehicles and electronic products to access and be exported to the European Union market.
It can be said that almost all items used in vehicles are subject to quality requirements based on the ECE standards series in the European Union and are used for testing and issuing quality compliance certificates. The result of this evaluation is known as the E-Mark, issued in a standard format with the country code of the issuer and a unique serial number. This standard mark was introduced by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE).
Products marked with this certification have unrestricted access in the EU and can be offered to consumers without additional testing, evaluation, or other compliance labels. Moreover, the E-mark is also valid in countries outside Europe, as it signifies compliance with EU requirements.
In EU countries, it is mandatory to obtain E-mark certification to introduce motor vehicle systems, components, and technical parts. The E-mark certification proves that manufacturers comply with essential requirements for traffic safety and environmental protection.
The desire for globally harmonized standards has led to the development of two different regulations in Europe. The first was designed by the European Commission to create a common agreement for all EU member states.
Difference Between E-mark and e-Mark
The E-mark is applicable worldwide and beyond the EU, adhering to UNECE regulations, while the e-mark follows specific EU directives designed for EU member states. Each EU country has its unique electronic certification numbers, and the e-mark logo is placed in a rectangular frame rather than a circle.
Vehicles evaluated and approved under EU directives are marked with a small "e," while the other certification, created by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), is marked with a large "E." However, these regulations are globally enforceable.
Both certifications are based on whether the systems, parts, components, and technical elements of motor vehicles meet the relevant legal requirements. In summary, both certification systems have similar specifications and meaning.
Manufacturers have often had to choose between these two regulations over the years, and in some cases, manufacturers have obtained both E-mark and e-mark certifications.
E-mark or e-mark certification applies to safety standards for many car parts and electronic devices, such as cars, motorcycles, tires, lights, etc. E-mark certification confirms that the products comply with the relevant directives and regulations. Only products containing this mark can be legally sold in the market to consumers.
Methods for Obtaining the E-Mark Certification:
In Europe, there is a certification system for vehicle products, which consists of two parts:
1. Certification from the European Union: Products are certified in compliance with EC directive requirements.
2. Certification from the Economic Commission for Europe: Products are certified according to ECE regulations.
E-Mark:
According to the EU directive, the certification codes are issued by countries: e1 for Germany, e2 for France, e3 for Italy, e4 for the Netherlands, and e5 for Sweden. Certification according to UNECE regulations uses codes such as E1 for Germany, E2 for France, E3 for Italy, E37 for Turkey, and E43 for Japan.
For example, the e3 mark on specific products indicates that the product originates from Italy and is certified under EU directives. The E37 mark on a product indicates that it is from Turkey and certified under UNECE regulations.
When encoding, a definition similar to R44-04 is used. For instance, this code is found on child safety seats, produced according to EU safety standards. The last two digits refer to the standard version number.
When these codes are issued, the manufacturing company’s quality management system is inspected, and the products undergo necessary testing. This certification can be applied to all or part of a vehicle.
EU Certification Process:
In this process, vehicles and electronic products are tested for safety and certified. The tests must be conducted by a technical service organization within the EU, and the body issuing the E-mark must be part of the transport authority of an EU member state.
Certified products with the E-mark are recognized by all EU member states.
The e-mark is placed in a rectangular frame for moving vehicles or automated products, such as car chargers, lamps/flashlights, car refrigerators, car TVs/stereos, electric jacks, etc.
Main groups currently covered by e-mark include trailers, lights, headlights, braking systems, seat belts, car locks, car seats, reflectors, and safety systems, among others.
Each EU member state has a certification code for the E-mark:
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UNECE Certification Process:
In this process, the E-mark is issued by the Economic Commission for Europe, which currently includes 28 EU member states. In addition to EU members, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, and other non-European countries are also included. ECE regulations apply to all users and are recommended but not mandatory. Countries may either follow ECE regulations or continue using their national standards.
This mark is used in a circular frame for products such as windshields, seat belts, headlights, etc.
Each EU country has its own E-mark certification code.
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EMark Standard Covers:
- Vehicles: buses, trucks, motorcycles, road vehicles.
- Products: lamps, tires, wheels, brakes, horns, anti-theft devices, seat belts, car glass, exhaust systems, etc.
- Motorcycle accessories.
- Vehicle electrical products.
E-mark Certification Benefits:
Motor vehicles must fully comply with highway structures and transportation safety. Moreover, they should not harm human health or the natural environment.
Manufacturers must obtain these certifications to demonstrate the quality and purpose of their products. Without this document, it is impossible to sell products to EU countries or other foreign nations. Companies must comply with these regulations.
ECE R10:
Also known as Regulation 10 or UNECE R10, this automotive regulation, created by UNECE, covers 56 member countries as of February 18, 2020. It specifies the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards for vehicles and Electronic Sub-Assemblies (ESA) used in the automotive industry. This regulation details the required EMC tests and E-mark approval processes for automotive electronic components, systems, and vehicles.
The annexes of this regulation include product groups covered by certification, such as lighting, reflectors, child safety seats, vehicle seats, headlights, and braking systems.
Requirements for E-mark Certification:
For packages bearing the ℮ mark, the following conditions must be met:
- The average product quantity in packages from the same batch must be equal to or greater than the amount stated on the package.
- The nominal quantity only refers to the product itself, excluding packaging or materials used to protect it.
- Only a limited portion of pre-packaged products may contain a smaller amount than the stated quantity, referred to as the "Tolerable Negative Error" (TNE), as outlined in Annex 1 of EU regulations.
Sahatos, with over 28 years of experience in obtaining standard certifications and membership in international professional organizations, is proud to offer its services in the certification process for CE Marking and E-mark for interested applicants.
Updated on: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024