Meaning
Legal records for the European Union publish the definitive list of harmonized standards that provide a presumption of conformity with regional directives. The official journal acts as the central gazette for all legislative acts and regulations governing trade and safety. Manufacturers consult it to verify which version of a standard applies to their product at the time of placing it on the market.
Harmonization List
Reference numbers for technical specifications appear in the L or C series of the publication. Inclusion in the official journal signifies that the standard has been reviewed and accepted by the European Commission. The date of publication determines when a manufacturer can start using the standard for formal certification.
Transition Period
Citations often include a date of cessation of presumption of conformity for the previous version of a standard. This entry in the official journal defines the window during which an old test report remains valid for new shipments. Engineers must monitor these transitions to schedule retesting before the deadline.
Statutory Authority
Compliance with the text printed in this gazette is the only way to claim harmonized status. While other standards exist, only those in the official journal offer the specific legal shortcut to the CE mark.
