Product certification is the process of verifying that a specific product meets the requirements of a recognized standard or regulation. Unlike management system certification, which evaluates organizational processes (such as ISO 9001 for quality management), product certification focuses on the characteristics, performance, and safety of the product itself.

Certified products are typically marked with a label or logo (such as a conformity mark) to demonstrate compliance. Certification may be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the product type and applicable regulatory framework. It plays a critical role in protecting consumers, ensuring product interoperability, and facilitating access to national or international markets.

Third-party product certification involves an independent body conducting testing, inspections, or audits to confirm that the product conforms to specified technical standards. Examples of product certification schemes include safety certification for electrical appliances, organic labeling for food, and eco-labeling for environmental claims.

Difference from Management System Certification

While product certification verifies that a specific item complies with technical or regulatory standards, management system certification assesses the organization’s internal processes. For example:

• ISO 9001 certifies a company’s quality management system.
• CE marking or UL certification confirms that an individual product meets safety or technical requirements.

A company may hold a valid ISO 9001 certificate but still need separate testing and approval for each of its products, especially when entering regulated markets.

CE Marking (European Union)

The CE mark is a symbol used to indicate that a product sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) complies with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. CE marking is not a quality mark, but a mandatory conformity declaration for certain product categories such as machinery, toys, medical devices, and electronics.

The CE marking process typically involves:

1. Determining applicable EU directives and harmonized standards.
2. Conducting a conformity assessment, including testing or risk evaluation.
3. Compiling technical documentation to demonstrate compliance.
4. Issuing the Declaration of Conformity.
5. Affixing the CE mark visibly on the product.

Depending on the directive, manufacturers may self-declare compliance or be required to use a Notified Body (a third-party certification body authorized by the EU).