Those in the export business of single-door beverage cabinets to the EU understand that CE certification is the “passport” for products to legally enter the EU market. However, many first-time applicants often face certification delays or even lost orders due to incomplete or non-compliant documentation. In reality, by following the right approach and preparing materials according to the checklist, the certification process can proceed smoothly.
First, it’s crucial to understand that single-door beverage cabinets fall under refrigeration appliances. CE certification requires compliance with three core directives: the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC), and Energy Efficiency Directive (ERP). Products involving refrigerants must also meet FGas Regulation requirements. All documentation must be prepared around compliance with these directives—no exceptions.
I. Core Essential Documentation: Foundational Files Are Critical, None Can Be Omitted
This documentation forms the basis for CE certification. Whether opting for self-declaration or certification by a Notified Body, all materials must be provided in full and verified as authentic and valid.
1. Corporate Qualifications and Entity Information Documents
These documents primarily verify the company’s legal business status and product ownership to prevent intellectual property disputes. They specifically include:
A copy of the company’s business license (stamped with the official company seal), confirming the business scope includes the production or sale of refrigeration equipment;
Trademark registration certificate (if applicable), clearly defining product brand ownership to avoid subsequent infringement risks;
EU Authorized Representative Information (mandatory for non-EU companies), including the representative’s name, address, contact details, and authorization agreement. This serves as critical evidence for EU regulators to trace accountability;
CE Certification Application Form, requiring accurate completion of core details such as product name, model, specifications, applicable directives, and standards.
2. Technical Documentation (TCF): The Core of Certification
Technical documentation serves as the primary evidence demonstrating product compliance with EU standards. It must be retained for at least 10 years for inspection, as EU regulatory authorities may conduct spot checks at any time. Technical documentation for single-door beverage cabinets must include the following:
Detailed product description: Includes product name, model, functions, intended use, operating environment (e.g., applicable temperature and humidity ranges), and clearly distinguishes model variations within product series (if applicable);
Design and Structural Drawings: Cover mechanical structure diagrams, electrical schematics, control panel layouts, refrigeration system flowcharts, etc. Drawings must use European standard symbols, clearly annotate dimensions, part numbers, and connection relationships. If drawings are shared across multiple models, this must be explicitly stated;
Bill of Materials (BOM): List all product components by name, model, specification, and supplier information. Especially for critical electrical components (e.g., circuit breakers, contactors, motors, compressors) and refrigeration components, include corresponding compliance certificate numbers;
Risk Assessment Report: Identify potential risks during product design and use (e.g., electric shock, fire, mechanical entrapment, refrigerant leakage) based on EN ISO 12100, detailing implemented risk control measures and verification results;
Production Process Documentation: Include production flow descriptions, critical process control points, and quality control standards to demonstrate standardized manufacturing practices.
3. Product Test Reports: Hardcore Proof of Compliance
Test reports must be issued by EU-recognized laboratories (e.g., TÜV, SGS) or Notified Bodies, with test items strictly matching applicable directives and harmonized standards. Single-door beverage cabinets must complete the following core tests and provide reports:
LVD Low Voltage Safety Test Report: Based on EN 60335-1 (General Safety for Household Appliances) and EN 60335-2-24 (Specific Requirements for Refrigerating Appliances). Test items include insulation withstand voltage test (1500V/1 minute without breakdown), leakage current test (≤0.75mA), and grounding continuity test to ensure electrical safety;
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report: Based on EN 55014-1 (Conducted Emissions) and EN 61000-3-2 (Harmonic Current), must meet limits such as radiation ≤30dBμV/m in the 30MHz–1GHz band and compressor start/stop voltage fluctuations ≤10%, preventing electromagnetic interference with other equipment;
ERP Energy Efficiency Test Report: Per EN 62552, must achieve A+ or higher energy efficiency rating. New 2025 regulations require standby power consumption ≤1.0W;
F-Gas Compliance Certificate: If the product uses fluorinated refrigerants, provide proof that the refrigerant GWP value is
Key Component Compliance Certificates: Copies of CE certification documents for critical components such as compressors, motors, and circuit breakers, ensuring these parts comply with EU standards.
4. Declaration of Conformity (DoC): The Company’s Compliance Commitment
The Declaration of Conformity is a legal document signed by the manufacturer or EU Authorized Representative, serving as the final statement confirming the product meets EU directive requirements. It must include the following core elements:
Manufacturer’s name, address, and EU Authorized Representative details (for non-EU companies);
Product name, model, and serial number (if applicable);
List of applicable EU Directives (e.g., LVD, EMC, ERP) and corresponding harmonized standard numbers;
Signatory’s name, position, and date of signature, affixed with the company’s official seal.
II. Supplementary Supporting Materials: Prepare Flexibly Based on Product Characteristics
Beyond core materials, certain special cases may require additional documents to prevent certification delays due to missing materials:
Product User Manual: Must include at least one EU official language (e.g., English, German, French), covering installation guides, operating procedures, maintenance methods, and safety warnings (e.g., “Children must not climb,” ” Avoid Direct Sunlight”), and waste disposal instructions. The manual must indicate the address of the EU Authorized Representative;
Product Label and Packaging Samples: Labels must clearly display product name, model, manufacturer information, CE marking (size ≥5mm, clear and durable), energy efficiency rating label, etc. Packaging design drawings must include safety warning symbols and shipping precautions;
Quality Management System Documentation: Such as ISO 9001 certification, internal quality audit reports, etc. Mandatory for high-risk products or when selecting Module D/E certification;
Series Product Variation Statement: When certifying multiple model variants, clearly detail structural, component, and performance differences to prevent certification invalidation due to unaddressed variations.
III. 2025 Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Errors to Never Make
Many exporters fail certification not due to incomplete materials, but non-compliant details. Based on the latest regulations, here are three high-frequency pitfalls:
Non-compliant document language: Technical documentation or manuals not written in an official EU language, or inaccurate translations. This is the most common reason for rejection. We recommend having materials reviewed by a professional translation agency;
Invalid test reports: Reports issued by unqualified laboratories, or test items failing to cover all applicable directives. We advise confirming in advance whether the laboratory holds CNAS accreditation or EU Notified Body status;
Non-compliant technical file retention: Failure to retain documents for the required 10 years, or discrepancies between documented content and actual product specifications. EU regulatory authorities may uncover such issues during spot checks, potentially leading to product recalls and fines.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Your Concerns
Q1: Can single-door beverage cabinets undergo CE certification via self-declaration?
A: Yes. Single-door beverage cabinets fall under low-risk household appliances and can utilize the self-declaration model (Module A). No Notified Body involvement is required; companies may conduct testing and issue declarations independently. However, for complex product designs or specific client requirements, certification through a Notified Body may be chosen to enhance credibility.
Q2: What is the validity period of CE certification?
A: There is no fixed validity period. However, if product design or manufacturing processes change, or if relevant EU directives or standards are updated, compliance must be reassessed. Certification documentation and declarations should be updated as necessary.
Q3: How long does the certification process take after materials are prepared?
A: Under smooth conditions, the self-declaration model takes approximately 12 weeks. If a Notified Body is involved for testing and review, the cycle is about 36 weeks, depending on product complexity and laboratory efficiency.
In summary, the core of CE certification materials for single-door beverage cabinets is “completeness, accuracy, and compliance.” By focusing on the three key directives—LVD, EMC, and ERP—and compiling all essential documents such as technical files, test reports, and declarations of conformity according to the checklist, while paying attention to details to avoid pitfalls, certification can be successfully obtained. If you still have questions about the specific requirements for material preparation, it is advisable to consult a professional certification body in advance to avoid wasting time and resources due to unpreparedness.
Post time: Jan-04-2026 Views: