A must-read for foreign trade companies: How to pass CE certification for exported auto parts (jacks, air pumps)?

As China's auto parts exports continue to expand, CE certification has become an essential requirement for entering the European market. As a leading domestic auto parts exporter, Xi'an Wanpu Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd., drawing on its extensive certification experience, has compiled key CE certification requirements for car jacks and Tire Pumps, helping foreign trade companies successfully enter the European market.
CE certification requirements for automotive parts primarily cover three areas: the Machinery Safety Directive (2006/42/EC), the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU), and the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU). For jacks, for example, the certification process focuses on strength testing of the load-bearing structure, reliability verification of the safety locking device, and stability assessment. The Wanpu technical team recommends considering the EN 1494 standard's requirements for mobile jacks during the design phase, including key indicators such as rated load testing, durability testing, and overload protection testing.
Tire pump certification is even more complex. Besides basic mechanical safety requirements, it must also comply with the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and the Noise Directive (2000/14/EC). Smart pumps with digital displays, in particular, must undergo additional EMC testing to ensure they do not interfere with onboard electronic equipment. Wanpu engineers specifically note that the pump's pressure vessel must provide a burst pressure test report, a key item that many companies tend to overlook.
"Certification preparation must begin at the very beginning of product design," emphasized Wanpu's quality director. The company recommends that exporting companies incorporate CE standards during the R&D phase and create comprehensive technical documentation, including product drawings, risk analysis reports, and lists of key components. Wanpu's practical experience shows that preparing these materials in advance not only shortens the certification cycle but also reduces rectification costs by approximately 20%.
Testing is a core part of certification. Jacks undergo tests such as static load testing (1.5 times the rated load for 3 minutes), dynamic endurance testing (1,000 lifting and lowering cycles), and emergency descent testing. Tire pumps must undergo continuous operating temperature rise testing, pressure accuracy testing, and water and dust resistance testing (to at least IP54). Data from Wanpu Labs shows that 90% of certification failures stem from substandard testing of these basic tests.
Choosing a qualified certification body is also crucial. Wanpu recommends prioritizing EU Notified Bodies, such as TÜV and SGS. Certificates issued by these organizations are highly recognized in the market, but they also charge relatively high fees. For companies with limited budgets, they can consider pre-testing with a domestic CNAS-accredited laboratory and then applying for formal certification once the product is fully developed.
The requirements for labeling and instructions are often underestimated. The size and placement of the CE mark are strictly regulated, and instructions must include a version in the official EU language and include detailed safety warnings. Wanpu has assisted numerous companies in addressing labeling issues, and the simplest approach is to design based on similar, certified products.
Ongoing compliance is also crucial. After obtaining CE certification, companies must establish an internal quality control system to ensure that mass-produced products remain consistent with certified samples. Wanpu's production consistency control program includes designated procurement of key components, sampling testing of each batch, and a comprehensive product traceability system. These measures have resulted in a 100% annual supervisory audit pass rate for Wanpu products.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, Wanpu recommends "joint certification" to reduce costs. This involves several companies jointly entrusting a certification body and sharing the testing costs. Wanpu successfully helped five jack manufacturers form a group certification process, reducing costs for each company by 40%.
Market supervision is becoming increasingly stringent. In recent years, EU market surveillance agencies have increased the rate of spot checks on auto parts annually. In 2023, 12 batches of Chinese-made jacks were recalled due to substandard safety locking devices. Wanpu's established early warning system monitors EU RAPEX notifications in real time, allowing for timely adjustments to production processes to mitigate risks.
"CE certification isn't the end, but the starting point for quality improvement," said Wanpu's general manager. The company invests 3% of its annual revenue in certification maintenance and standard upgrades to ensure its products continue to comply with the latest regulations. Currently, all of Wanpu's jacks and air pumps are CE certified, and annual sales to the European market exceed 80 million yuan.
For companies planning to expand into the European market, Wanpu offers three pieces of advice: first, choose an experienced certification consulting firm; second, allow at least six months for the certification process; and third, prioritize post-certification quality maintenance. The company also offers certification consulting services to help peer companies resolve various technical issues encountered during the certification process.
With the implementation of the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, CE certification requirements will be further tightened starting in 2025. Wanpu has launched a plan to address these new regulations, focusing on upgrading its products' cybersecurity and AI-related features to prepare for upcoming technical trade barriers.