Anyone importing goods from China and intending to sell them in the EU must ensure that the products comply with all European regulations. This applies not only to CE marking, but also to regulations such as REACH, RoHS, and the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Errors in product compliance can lead to sales bans, product recalls, and significant penalties.
This guide explains step by step which requirements apply to imports from China, which certifications are necessary, and how you as an importer can efficiently fulfill your obligations.
Product compliance means that a product meets all legal requirements of the target market — in this case, the European Union. As an importer, you are legally considered the responsible party and are liable for the compliance of your products.
Since the new EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which has been in force since December 2024, even products without specific EU harmonization legislation must meet fundamental safety requirements. A responsible contact person established within the EU is mandatory.
The CE marking is not a quality seal, but a mandatory declaration that a product complies with the applicable EU directives. Without CE marking, many product categories may not be sold within the EU.
| Product Category | Relevant EU Directive |
|---|---|
| Electrical Equipment (Low Voltage) | Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU |
| Electronic Equipment (EMC) | EMC Directive 2014/30/EU |
| Toys | Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC |
| Machinery | Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Personal Protective Equipment | PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 |
| Medical Devices | MDR (EU) 2017/745 |
| Construction Products | Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 |
| Radio Equipment | RED Directive 2014/53/EU |
Identify applicable directives — Which EU regulations apply to your product?
Determine harmonized standards — Which technical standards must be followed?
Carry out the conformity assessment — Depending on the risk category: self-assessment or assessment by a notified body (e.g., TÜV, Dekra)
Prepare technical documentation — Test reports, risk analyses, and design documentation
Issue the EU Declaration of Conformity and apply the CE mark
REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
REACH regulates the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemical substances. For importers, this means:
Checking whether your product contains SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concern)
Obligation to inform customers if the SVHC content exceeds 0.1% by weight
If imports exceed 1 ton per year: registration with ECHA is required
Practical tip:
Request a current REACH test report from an accredited laboratory from your Chinese supplier. Many Chinese manufacturers are familiar with REACH but often provide outdated reports.
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment:
Lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium
PBB and PBDE (flame retardants)
This directive applies to almost all electrical and electronic products placed on the EU market.
EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
Since 13 December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation has replaced the former Product Safety Directive. Important aspects for importers:
Applies to all consumer products that are not covered by specific harmonization legislation
Requires a responsible economic operator established in the EU
Introduces extended obligations for traceability and accident reporting
| Test | Purpose | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|
| CE Conformity Tests | Proof of EU directive compliance | €500–€5,000 depending on the product |
| REACH Laboratory Test | Testing for prohibited chemicals | €200–€1,500 |
| RoHS Laboratory Test | Testing for restricted hazardous substances | €150–€800 |
| Food Contact Materials (FCM) | For products with food contact | €300–€2,000 |
| Textile Tests (OEKO-TEX etc.) | Testing textiles for harmful substances | €200–€1,000 |
Where should testing be carried out?
In China before shipment — Saves time; laboratories such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, and TÜV Rheinland have locations in China.
In Germany after arrival — Provides higher assurance, but there is a risk of delays if the product fails testing.
Combined approach — Preliminary testing in China and final confirmation in the EU (recommended approach).
Mistake 1: Relying on supplier certificates
Chinese manufacturers often provide certificates whose validity has expired or that were issued for a different product model. Always verify each certificate for validity and correct product assignment.
Mistake 2: CE marking used only as a sticker
CE marking requires a complete conformity assessment with proper technical documentation. Simply placing a CE sticker on a product without documentation is illegal and punishable.
Mistake 3: Ignoring GPSR requirements
Since 2024, even products that do not require CE marking must comply with basic safety requirements. Many importers overlook this obligation.
Mistake 4: No incoming goods inspection
Just because a pre-shipment inspection was passed does not mean the delivered batch is identical. Random incoming inspections are essential.
Applicable EU directives and standards identified
CE conformity assessment conducted or commissioned
Technical documentation fully prepared
EU Declaration of Conformity issued
CE marking correctly applied to product and packaging
REACH test report available and up to date
RoHS compliance verified (for electrical products)
GPSR requirements checked
Responsible economic operator with an EU address designated
Packaging marking and labeling verified
Traceability ensured (batches, suppliers)
Quality control carried out before shipment (IPC / DUPRO / PSI)
Random incoming inspection planned
As a German company based in Schwäbisch Gmünd with operational teams on site in China, we connect both sides of the supply chain:
Supplier verification and factory audits — Evaluation of whether the manufacturer is capable of complying with conformity-related standards
Quality control during production — IPC, DUPRO, and PSI inspections directly at the factory
Support with certifications — Coordination with testing bodies and laboratories in China
Customs clearance — Ensuring that all documents required for import are complete
Communication with suppliers — In your native language, without language barriers
You receive a continuous process: from manufacturer selection and production inspections to compliant import into the EU.
Next step: Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation regarding the product compliance of your China imports.
