{"id":50045,"date":"2026-04-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=50045"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:57:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:57:05","slug":"ce-compliance","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/ce-compliance\/","title":{"rendered":"CE compliance from day one: assurance of quality, safety and legal peace of mind"},"content":{"rendered":"
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CE marking is still too often seen as a box to tick at the very end of a project. But that is precisely where things go wrong. When commissioning approaches and the question arises about who is responsible for the conformity of the entire installation, the answers often turn out to be unclear or even absent. At Sweco, CE marking and the Technical Construction File (TCF) are an integral part of a high\u2011quality design and construction process from day one. That is where compliance, technical choices and commercial interests come together.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The most expensive mistake you can make? Looking at CE only at handover.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We spoke with Gerard Verstappen,<\/strong> Senior Project Leader at Sweco, specialist in CE and technical construction files, about his approach, added value and vision. Gerard supports industrial clients in machine safety, CE conformity, PED (Pressure Equipment Directive), ATEX (Atmosph\u00e8res Explosibles) and complex multidisciplinary projects.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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CE in multidisciplinary projects: an underexposed topic<\/h2>\n

Gerard sees it every day: project meetings focus mainly on design, planning and budget, while CE legislation often remains out of sight. \u201cOperators typically rely on the manufacturer of machines or components to provide conformity documents. That\u2019s necessary, but it doesn\u2019t come close to covering everything when you combine multiple machines and installation parts into a single functioning installation.\u201d<\/p>\n

This leads to a crucial question that is rarely asked: Who is legally the manufacturer of the complete installation? <\/strong>As long as this remains unclear, risks, delays and potentially costly corrections will arise.<\/p>\n

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Many companies become manufacturers without realising it<\/h2>\n

Gerard explains that you become a manufacturer much sooner than you might think. \u201cWhen you integrate machines, pipework or installation components into one process line or retrofit, you create a new whole. Legally, you become the manufacturer under the relevant directives, such as the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023\/1230 or the PED for pressure equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n

This means you are responsible for the risk assessment, technical documentation and the EU Declaration of Conformity. That responsibility does not automatically remain with the original machine manufacturers, but shifts to the party who assembles the whole.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Why CE\u2011marked machines are not enough<\/h2>\n

Many companies assume that CE markings on individual components are sufficient. But that is not the case. Gerard clarifies: \u201cOnce you mechanically, electrically or functionally connect machines or systems, you may create a new assembly. The entire system must then be reassessed. A CE label on separate components tells you nothing about the safety of the whole.\u201d This misconception frequently causes discussions and delays, especially when the question only arises at commissioning.<\/p>\n

When do you become a CE manufacturer?<\/h2>\n

Responsibility shifts more quickly than many companies think. You become a manufacturer when you:<\/p>\n