CE Marking
EU marking for product conformity to health/safety rules
FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
CE Marking declares EU product safety conformity for free market access, while FSSC 22000 certifies food safety systems via audits. Manufacturers use CE for legal EU sales; food firms adopt FSSC for GFSI trust and supply chain approval.
CE Marking
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
Key Features
- Manufacturer's self-declaration of conformity to essential requirements
- Enables free movement across EEA single market
- Risk-proportionate conformity assessment modules A-H
- OJEU-published harmonised standards presume conformity
- Mandatory technical file retention for 10 years
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked FSMS certification scheme
- Integrates ISO 22000 with sector PRPs
- Mandatory food defense and fraud mitigation
- Additional requirements for allergens and culture
- Rigorous audit duration and reporting rules
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CE Marking Details
What It Is
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU's mandatory conformity marking for products under harmonised legislation like Low Voltage Directive and Machinery Directive. It signifies the manufacturer's declaration that products meet essential health, safety, and environmental requirements. The approach is risk-based, using conformity assessment modules (A-H) scaled to product hazards.
Key Components
- Identification of applicable directives/regulations and essential requirements.
- Harmonised standards from OJEU for presumption of conformity.
- Technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE mark affixing.
- Self-assessment or Notified Body involvement; post-market surveillance under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EEA market access, it enables free circulation, reduces trade barriers, and ensures compliance to avoid fines/recalls. Benefits include risk mitigation, stakeholder trust, and competitive edge via proven safety.
Implementation Overview
Map legislation, perform risk assessment, compile technical file, issue DoC, affix mark. Applies to manufacturers/importers across industries; self-certification for low-risk, audits for high-risk. Retain files 10+ years.
FSSC 22000 Details
What It Is
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. The scheme uses a risk-based management system approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 with sector PRPs and additional requirements.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
- Over 100 requirements across governance, operations, and verification.
- Built on PDCA cycle and HACCP principles.
- Third-party certification by licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer and export demands via GFSI recognition.
- Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
- Manages risks like fraud, defense, and allergens.
- Builds reputation with 40,000+ certified sites globally.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
- 6-12 months typical for small sites.
- Applies to food chain organizations worldwide.
- Requires initial, surveillance, recertification audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CE Marking | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | EU product health/safety conformity | Food chain safety management systems |
| Industry | Manufacturing (electronics, machinery, toys) | Food processing, packaging, catering |
| Nature | Mandatory self-declaration for EU market | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification |
| Testing | Self or notified body assessment modules | ISO audits with PRP/HACCP verification |
| Penalties | Market withdrawal, fines by authorities | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CE Marking and FSSC 22000
CE Marking FAQ
FSSC 22000 FAQ
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