An EC declaration of conformity (abbreviated to DofC, sometimes DoC) is a document through which a product is declared compliant with an EC Directive. It can be used for declaring compliance with more than one EC Directive. There are 21 CE marking Directives in total and each has to be considered for the product in question but typically no more than a two or three EC Directives would apply to any one product.

The DofC the sole responsibility of the manufacturer or his appointed authorised representative. It forms an essential part of product compliance and it is the most important document you have in your compliance technical file.

The requirements for what go into a DofC vary slightly between the EC Directives.

It is important to realise that the DofC is not about compliance with tests or test standards. It is solely about compliance with the requirements of the EC Directives, sometimes called the "essential requirements". Test standards are typically a route to meeting the requirements of an EC Directive.

If the manufacturer, or his authorised representative, declares compliance with the applicable test standards as listed in the Official Journal then he has a "presumption of conformity" with the requirements of the EC Directive. A "presumption of conformity" is the best legal position to be in. If the latest standards have not been used as the route to compliance, then the "presumption of conformity" is lost and further technical justification would be required in the technical documentation.

Remember that the Official Journal for each EC Directive changes typically once a year so it is important to keep up to date with those changes to maintain the "presumption of conformity".

EC Directives also change and in recent years, for example, 2004/108/EC became the new EMC Directive. Likewise, 2006/95/EC became the new Low Voltage Directive. The two previous Directives (89/336/EC and 73/23/EC) should not be used for products placed on the market today.

Your documentation is an important part of your compliance. It's not just about testing!

If you would like us to check that your DofC then simply email us at DofC@blackwood-labs.co.uk. There is no charge for this service.