CE Marking vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
CE Marking
EU marking for product conformity and market access
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's regulation for graded cybersecurity protection of networks.
Quick Verdict
CE Marking declares EU product safety compliance for free market access, while MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity in China with PSB oversight. Companies adopt CE for EEA sales, MLPS for legal operations in China.
CE Marking
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
Key Features
- Manufacturer self-declares conformity to EU essential requirements
- Enables free product circulation across EEA markets
- Harmonised standards provide OJEU presumption of conformity
- Risk-proportionate conformity assessment modules A-H
- Mandates technical file and DoC 10-year retention
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0
Key Features
- Five-level impact-based system classification
- Mandatory for all China network operators
- Technical, governance, physical controls baseline
- Third-party audits and PSB approval Level 2+
- Enforced by Public Security Bureaus
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 compliance marking framework under the New Legislative Framework (NLF). It signifies a manufacturer's declaration that products meet essential health, safety, and environmental requirements in harmonised legislation like LVD, Machinery Directive, and RED. Scope covers electrical equipment, toys, PPE, and more; approach is risk-based via conformity assessment modules.
Key Components
- Applicable directives/regulations identification
- Conformity modules (A-H: self-assessment to full quality assurance)
- Technical documentation (design, tests, risks)
- EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- CE mark affixing with Notified Body ID if required Built on OJEU harmonised standards for presumption of conformity; self-declaration or third-party model.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EEA market access; enables free movement, reduces country barriers. Manages compliance risks, limits liability, boosts tender competitiveness, builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Map legislation, perform risk assessment, compile technical file, issue DoC, affix mark, ensure post-market surveillance. Applies to manufacturers/importers in EEA; no central certification—authority audits on request.
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details
What It Is
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's mandatory cybersecurity regulation under the 2016 Cybersecurity Law. It classifies information systems into five levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, requiring graded technical, organizational, and governance controls.
Key Components
- Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, and governance.
- Standards like GB/T 22239-2019 define baselines; extended for cloud, IoT, big data.
- Common controls for all levels plus level-specific requirements.
- Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (Level 2+), PSB approval.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legally required for China network operators to avoid fines, suspensions.
- Enhances resilience, supports market access, aligns with data laws.
- Builds regulator trust, reduces breach risks.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, classification, gap analysis, remediation, audits, ongoing monitoring.
- Applies to all sizes in China; critical for multinationals.
- Mandatory PSB filings, periodic re-evaluations. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CE Marking | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Product safety, health, environmental compliance | Graded cybersecurity for networks, information systems |
| Industry | Manufacturers across EU/EEA product sectors | All network operators in mainland China |
| Nature | Manufacturer self-declaration, market access marking | Mandatory classification, PSB enforcement regulation |
| Testing | Self-assessment or notified body modules as needed | Third-party audits, PSB review for Level 2+ systems |
| Penalties | Market withdrawal, fines by national authorities | Fines, operational suspension, license revocation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CE Marking and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
CE Marking FAQ
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
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