What Is the CE Marking?
CE = Conformité Européenne (European Conformity) — it is the mark of conformity with European Union safety directives. It expresses the manufacturer's declaration that "this machine conforms to EU safety standards". Türkiye integrated CE with the Customs Union in 1996 — and the conformity requirement for industrial machinery has tightened over the years.
- CE is NOT a quality certificate — it is a certificate of conformity with minimum safety standards
- CE is declared by the manufacturer — an independent test laboratory is not mandatory (on simple machines)
- On complex/high risk machines a Notified Body (NB) — an independent test laboratory — is essential
- The CE marking has no "Turkish version" — Türkiye harmonised the EU legislation through the Machinery Safety Regulation (2006/42/AT); the core standard for risk assessment is TS EN ISO 12100
- Using a machine without CE marking is not legal in Türkiye (within the scope of Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331)
Which Standards Does It Cover?
| Standard | Subject | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2006/42/EC | European Machinery Directive | Basic safety on all industrial machinery |
| ISO 12100 | Machine Safety — General Principles | Risk assessment + the design approach |
| ISO 13850 | Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Function | Mandatory on all machines — the red button |
| EN 60204-1 | Electrical Equipment of Machines | Cabinet, wiring, earthing, switchgear |
| ISO 13849 | Safety-Related Parts of Control Systems | PLC + the safety category (PL, SIL) |
| EN ISO 14122 | Access to Machinery — Stairs, Platforms | Operator access safety |
| ISO 11161 | Safety of Integrated Manufacturing Systems | Multi-machine + robot line safety |
| ISO 4413 | Hydraulic System Safety | Hydraulic machine components |
| ISO 4414 | Pneumatic System Safety | Pneumatic machine components |
ISO 12100 — The Risk Assessment Approach
ISO 12100 standardises the risk assessment the machine manufacturer has to carry out at the design stage:
- Hazard identification — which hazard arises, and in which use scenario
- Risk estimation — probability × severity (a mathematical score)
- Risk evaluation — is it acceptable? Or does it have to be controlled?
- Risk reduction in 3 steps: change the design → add guarding → inform/train
- Residual risk — whatever remains after every measure is stated in the instructions for use
The Effect on the Operator
Thanks to ISO 12100, modern CNC machines are many times safer than the previous generation of machine tools. Safety components such as the emergency stop, the door interlock, the two-hand start button and the light curtain are mandatory — their absence invalidates the CE marking.
ISO 13850 — Emergency Stop
Mandatory on all industrial machinery — a red mushroom head on a yellow background; when it is pressed all energy output stops, and it does not reset automatically when released (it has to be turned manually).
- Red colour + yellow background — the international marking code
- A mushroom head — easy to identify
- Pressure sensitive — it should not activate on a light touch
- A manual reset is essential — it must not release automatically
- Multiple positions — it must be reachable from the operator positions
- A function test at the start of the shift — the operator's responsibility
- There must be no obstruction near it — quick access is critical
EN 60204-1 — Electrical Safety
- Earthing resistance — max 10 ohm
- IP protection rating — suitable for the workshop environment (IP54+ recommended)
- A lockable main switch for emergency isolation — for cutting the main power
- Overload + short circuit protection (fuse + breaker)
- A 24V control voltage (for operator safety)
- Cabinet temperature control (an air-conditioned cabinet)
- Wiring colour codes (phase/neutral/earth separate)
The Legal Basis in TÜRKİYE — Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 (2012) is the basic legal framework for the use of industrial machinery in Türkiye:
- Employer liability — the machine must be safe and training must be given
- A machine without CE marking — not legal; if it is identified during an inspection, a fine and a shutdown follow
- Risk assessment report — to be updated annually
- Appointment of an OHS specialist (for facilities with 10+ employees)
- PPE procurement + supervision of its use
- Annual periodic maintenance records (the USEL Care PDF outputs can be used)
- Workplace accident notification — to the SGK (the social security institution in Türkiye) within 2 working days
A Machine Without CE Marking = A Legal Risk
Buying a cheap machine without CE marking is not a saving; in a workplace accident the employer is fully liable, the insurer does not pay, the social security institution can seek recourse, and there is a risk of the operation being shut down plus a fine. An uncertified machine can create a loss 5-10 times the cost of the investment.
What You Should Ask as a Buyer
When buying a machine, ask the manufacturer or the seller for:
- The CE Declaration of Conformity — written and stamped
- Which standards it conforms to (2006/42/EC, ISO 12100, EN 60204-1, and so on)
- The Notified Body test report (if it falls into a high risk machine class)
- A user manual in Turkish (mandatory in Türkiye)
- The risk assessment report (from the manufacturer)
- The scope of the operator training certificate
- The annual periodic test requirements (pressure, electrical, and so on)
- The warranty terms + service network information
Signs of a Machine Without CE Marking
- No CE label / a fake one (simply stuck on)
- No emergency stop, or one that does not work
- No guarding on exposed rotating parts (belts, drives)
- Earthing missing or inadequate
- The wiring is not professional (added cables, missing insulation)
- No user manual in Turkish
- No risk assessment + no residual risk instructions
- The identity of the manufacturer is unclear / a sub-industry product
Periodic Inspections (in TÜRKİYE)
| Inspection | Frequency | Authorised by |
|---|---|---|
| Earthing measurement | Annual | Electrical engineer (SMM licensed) |
| Pressure vessel inspection (UHP, compressor) | Annual | Authorised inspection body |
| Electrical cabinet inspection | Annual | Electrical engineer |
| Crane + lifting equipment | Annual | Accredited test body |
| OHS risk assessment update | Annual | OHS specialist |
| Personal protective equipment (PPE) | Start of shift | Operator + OHS officer |
| Emergency stop function test | Start of shift / weekly | Operator |
| Fire extinguisher | 6 months | Accredited service |