Signing a declaration of conformity

What is a declaration of conformity?

An EU declaration of conformity  (DoC) is a mandatory legal document that you as a manufacturer (or your authorised representative) must sign to declare that your products comply with all EU requirements.

The DoC is signed only after you have complied with the legal requirements for your product i.e. undertaken the relevant conformity assessment, and compiled all the supporting technical documentation.

By signing the DoC, you take full responsibility for your product's compliance with the applicable EU law.

Who is responsible for the declaration of conformity?

Manufacturers are legally responsible for ensuring their product meets all EU requirements and for issuing the declaration of conformity — regardless of whether they are based inside or outside the EU.

You are considered the manufacturer if you make a product yourself, or have it made for you and sell it under your own name or brand. As a manufacturer, you may appoint an authorised representative based in the EU to carry out specific tasks on your behalf, such as:

• cooperating with national market surveillance authorities
• providing required documentation (e.g. the DoC and technical files)
• supporting corrective actions if needed

This is especially important for non-EU manufacturers selling products in the EU.

If your product includes components from multiple suppliers, responsibility for the DoC depends on your role:

• If you place the final product on the EU market, you must issue a DoC covering the entire product, even if individual components are already CE marked.
• If you supply only a component, you are responsible only for that component’s compliance. A DoC may still be required for B2B or integration purposes.

What to include in a declaration of conformity

The EU declaration of conformity declaration of conformity must contain the following information:

• your name and full business address or that of your authorised representative
• the product's serial number, model or type identification
• a statement, stating you take full responsibility
• means of identification of product allowing traceability – this can include an image
• the details of the notified body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure (if applicable)
• the relevant legislation with which the product complies, as well as any harmonised standards or other means used to prove compliance
• your name and signature
• the date the declaration was issued

Language and translation requirements

You must translate the EU declaration of conformity into the language or languages required by the EU country in which your product is sold. It must be made available to national market surveillance authorities upon request, although some EU product rules require that the DoC accompany the product (e.g. radio-equipment).

Who can sign the declaration of conformity?

The declaration must be signed by someone with legal authority to represent the manufacturer or authorised representative:

• typically, a director, compliance officer, or senior manager
• the signatory does not need to be an EU citizen or resident
• signing confirms that the product meets all relevant EU requirements

The declaration must include the signatory’s name, position, signature, and the date of issue.

Keeping the declaration of conformity up to date

The DoC must be reviewed and updated to reflect any changes, including:

• product modifications (e.g. design, components, materials)
• updates to applicable EU legislation or harmonised standards
• changes to contact details of the manufacturer or authorised representative
• switches in conformity assessment bodies or procedures

A copy of the most recent declaration must be kept for 10 years after the product is placed on the EU market and made available to authorities upon request.