What It Is

CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU's primary product conformity marking framework. It serves as the manufacturer's declaration that products meet essential health, safety, and environmental requirements under harmonised EU legislation like the New Legislative Framework (NLF). Its risk-based approach scales conformity assessment from self-declaration to third-party notified body involvement.

Key Components

• Legislation mapping and essential requirements identification
• Conformity modules (A-H) for assessment
• Technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), CE affixation
• Harmonised OJEU standards for presumption of conformity Self-assessment for low-risk; notified bodies for high-risk; 10-year retention.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandated for EEA market access, preventing sales bans and fines. Enhances risk management, supply chain trust, and competitive edge via single-market scale. Builds stakeholder confidence through proven compliance.

Implementation Overview

Phased: scope analysis, risk assessment, testing/documentation, DoC issuance, marking. Applies to manufacturers across industries/geographies targeting EU/EEA. No central certification; audit-ready files for surveillance.

What It Is

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certification framework verifying cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It uses a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels drawn from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.

Key Components

• **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 basic FAR safeguards), Level 2 (110 NIST 800-171 controls), Level 3 (+24 NIST 800-172 enhancements)
• 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response, Risk Assessment)
• Assessments via self-assessment, C3PAO, or DIBCAC; System Security Plans (SSP) and POA&Ms
• Reporting to SPRS or eMASS

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for DoD contracts to ensure eligibility and avoid debarment
• Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces breach costs, enhances resilience
• Provides competitive advantage, primes' trust, market access
• Aligns with NIST for broader benefits

Implementation Overview

Phased: scoping/gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes handling FCI/CUI; requires evidence, training, continuous monitoring. Certifications valid 3 years with annual affirmations. (178 words)