Since 1970, cars and trailers sold in Europe have required formal type approval and e-marking. On January 1, 1996, European Commission Directive 95/54/EC extended these requirements to cover in-vehicle electronic subassemblies (ESAs) by defining acceptable performance criteria for the electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility of such devices.
In the directive, ESAs are defined in two distinct groups: (i) components and (ii) separate technical units (STUs). STUs are specific to a given make of vehicle and are usually fitted by the vehicle manufacturer. Aftermarket electronic products fall into the category termed components that may be fitted to differing makes and models of vehicles. Article 2 of 95/54/EC requires all ESAs to comply with the legislation and to be appropriately e-marked.

Figure 1. Example of an e-mark.

An example of an e-mark is shown in Figure 1. It comprises the lowercase letter e followed by a country code number in a square box. The number identifies the EU member state granting type approval. The number placed adjacent to the e-mark in Figure 1 is the base approval number issued by the approval body and printed on the type approval certificate. The first two digits indicate the sequence number assigned to the most recent amendment of directive 72/245/EEC.4 For the Automotive Directive 95/54/EC, the sequence number is 02.

All electrically controlled devices or systems in the USA must be approved. Conformity with national safety regulations is demonstrated by a mark of conformity from a qualified, recognized testing laboratory. The most widely recognized testing laboratory is UL (Underwriters Laboratories). UL conducts tests according to UL standards, which incorporate national standards as an essential component.

The ultimate purpose of these tests is to minimize the risk posed by insurance companies' liabilities resulting from equipment and the hazards associated with it (electric shock, fire and mechanical injury). The damages awarded by courts in the USA can easily reach levels high enough to threaten the continued existence of manufacturers, sellers and users (companies).

Conformity to national safety requirements can be verified by “listing” or “labelling”. Listing or labelling is the issuing of a mark or symbol (such as the “UL mark”) by a qualified Certification Organization (CO) confirming that appropriate testing has been carried out and that a piece of equipment or system conforms to the relevant safety regulations or is suitable for a specific purpose.
There are several types of UL Marks. Each has its own specific meaning and significance. The UL Marks may be only used on or in connection with products certified by UL and under the terms of written agreement with UL.

The applicant has the option to choose any of the following two procedures for grant of BIS licence:

i) Normal Procedure – In the normal procedure, the applicant is required to submit the filled in application along with required documents and requisite fee to the nearest BIS branch office. Subsequently, after recording of the application, a preliminary factory evaluation is carried out by BIS officer to ascertain the capability of the applicant/manufacturer to produce goods according to the relevant Indian Standard and to verify the availability of complete testing facility and competent technical personnel. Samples are tested in the factory and also drawn for independent testing. Grant of licence is considered by BIS provided the samples pass during independent testing, preliminary evaluation is satisfactory and the applicant agrees to operate the defined Scheme of Testing & Inspection and pay the prescribed marking fee.

ii) Simplified Procedure – In the simplified procedure, applicant is required to furnish the test report(s) of the sample(s) got tested by him in the BIS approved laboratories, along with the application. If the test report(s) and other documents are found satisfactory, a verification visit is carried out by BIS. The licence is granted thereafter if the verification report is found satisfactory. The applicant also has the option to get the documents and other details as specified in the application, certified by a Chartered Engineer and submit the same to BIS.

Note 1: Simplified procedure is available for all products except certain items under mandatory certification like gas cylinders, valves, regulators, cement, etc.

Note 2: If any licence granted as per simplified procedure is cancelled in the event of failure of verification samples, the fresh application shall only be considered as per normal procedure.

Note 3: All India first licence for any product shall be granted as per normal procedure only.

Note 4: There is a separate scheme for Foreign Manufacturers and Indian Importers

The CE Marking is required only for the following types of products: