CE marking
CE marking is not a quality seal. It is the manufacturer's declaration that a product meets the EU rules that apply to it. It is required only for products covered by those rules, for example machinery, electrical equipment, personal protective equipment and many construction products.
Where CE applies, a buyer will typically want to see the EU Declaration of Conformity, and for construction products the Declaration of Performance. Behind both sits technical documentation that you, as the manufacturer, keep and can show on request.
Where CE does not apply, as with most textiles or food ingredients, say so clearly. Buyers prefer “not applicable, here is what applies instead” to a vague answer.
DIN and EN norms
DIN is the German standards body. Many standards in daily use are European norms adopted in Germany, written as DIN EN. Most are voluntary, but buyers write them into specifications and tenders, so in practice they decide whether you are on the shortlist.
If your product is tested to the equivalent European or international standard, name the exact standard and the test report. That is usually what the buyer needs, even if they asked for “DIN”.
What buyers ask about, by product category
- Building materials: Declaration of Performance and CE marking where a harmonised standard applies, test reports for the relevant DIN EN norms.
- Textiles: fibre composition labelling under EU rules, confirmation that restricted substances under REACH are not present, and often voluntary certificates such as OEKO-TEX.
- Food ingredients: product specifications, certificates of analysis, allergen information, traceability and frequently a food safety certification such as IFS Food or BRCGS.
- Packaging: material specifications and food-contact declarations where relevant, plus the question of who registers the packaging under the German Packaging Act.
- Machine parts: material certificates (often an inspection certificate 3.1 under EN 10204), drawings and tolerances, and CE documentation where the part is a complete machine.
- Furniture: safety and durability tests to the relevant EN norms, and for contract furniture, fire behaviour.
Supplier questionnaires
Larger German companies have due diligence obligations along their supply chain. In practice, a new supplier often receives a code of conduct to sign and a questionnaire on working conditions and environmental standards. It is a routine step, and answering it quickly helps.
How to prepare
- Collect declarations, test reports and certificates in one folder, in English and, where available, German.
- Note which standard each document refers to, with its exact number.
- Write down what does not apply to your product, and why.
- Decide who answers technical follow-up questions, and how quickly.
This is exactly what we match on. German companies send us these requirements; your portfolio shows which of them you meet. The clearer your documents, the faster a match.
This overview is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Which rules apply depends on the exact product and its use; check with a notified body, test lab or specialist adviser for your case.
