How to Manage CE, REACH, RoHS & WEEE?
An End-to-End Guide

1️⃣ Start: Product classification & scope analysis

Do you need CE — and which directives/standards apply?

This is the most critical step. Without a clear definition of product type, intended use, and market-entry model, tests and documents become guesswork. Wrong classification = wrong tests = unnecessary cost.

• Define product type + intended use + target markets (EU countries/channels)
• Check CE scope: identify applicable directives/standards (product-dependent, e.g., EMC/LVD/RED)
• Assess material/chemical risks (triggers for REACH/RoHS)
• Check e-waste relevance (WEEE: is it considered EEE?)

2️⃣ CE: Conformity assessment & the DoC logic

You don’t “collect documents” — you build proof

The CE marking is the manufacturer/importer’s declaration that the product meets relevant EU requirements. Behind that declaration must be test evidence, risk assessment, and technical documentation — otherwise CE is just decoration.

• Create a risk assessment (design, use, misuse scenarios, user groups)
• Plan required tests and collect reports
• Draft the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Implement correct marking on product/packaging/documents

3️⃣ Technical documentation: The file set that saves you in audits

Marketplace cases and market surveillance both hit your file first

The Technical File is the structured package of evidence proving conformity. If you lack version control, have gaps, or show inconsistencies, “we are compliant” looks like a claim — and gets rejected.

• Product description and component/material overview (appropriate depth)
• Risk assessment and applied mitigations
• Test reports and standards references
• DoC, label/packaging samples, user manual
• Quality and traceability records (batch/serial logic)

4️⃣ REACH & RoHS: Chemical and substance compliance

If you don’t manage suppliers, you will lose control

REACH requires tracking and information flow (including SVHC obligations). RoHS limits certain hazardous substances in EEE products. Neither is “get a declaration once and forget it”: lists change, materials change, and that’s where real risk shows up.

• Collect supplier declarations and, where needed, test/analysis reports
• Set up SVHC tracking at material/component level
• Clarify RoHS scope (especially critical for EEE)
• Implement change management (component change = file update)

5️⃣ WEEE: Registration, numbers, and e-waste obligations

If you sell EEE, registration is not optional

WEEE imposes registration and take-back/recycling obligations for electrical and electronic equipment. In countries like Germany, selling without proper registration quickly becomes a marketplace and enforcement risk.

• Confirm whether the product is classified as EEE
• Complete country-specific registrations (e.g., Germany: EAR processes)
• Apply correct WEEE marking (crossed-out wheeled bin, etc.)
• Maintain a “ready-to-submit” pack for marketplace verification requests

6️⃣ Labeling & documentation: Where most failures happen

Product, packaging, manual, and listing must say the same thing

The most common audit finding: the label says A, the manual says B, and the marketplace listing says C. Inconsistency is treated as non-compliance. You need master data and controlled approvals.

• Verify mandatory information (manufacturer/importer, model, warnings, etc.)
• Place CE/warning marks correctly (position + format)
• Localize manuals properly for target markets (language + safety content)
• Align Amazon listing copy and images with your documentation

7️⃣ Quick checklist (before selling)

If you answer “no” here, you’re creating risk

• CE scope analysis completed (directives/standards clear)?
• Risk assessment + test plan + test reports available?
• DoC prepared and version control in place?
• REACH/SVHC and RoHS verified with supplier-level evidence?
• If EEE: WEEE registration/number completed?
• Label + packaging + manual + listing fully consistent?
• Can you provide documents within 24–48 hours for a marketplace case?