Declaration of Conformity Definition
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a signed document in which a manufacturer states, under its sole responsibility, that a product meets all the EU legal requirements that apply to it. It is a self-declaration: the manufacturer, not a public authority, confirms compliance and becomes legally accountable for that statement. National authorities can ask to see it at any time, and importers must check that a valid DoC exists before they sell the product.
Which products need a Declaration of Conformity?
Most products that carry CE marking need one, including electrical equipment, machinery, toys and medical devices. The DoC is the document that stands behind the CE mark. Since 12 August 2026, packaging sold in the EU also needs a DoC under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with one declaration for each packaging type, but packaging does not carry a CE mark. Products covered by future EU ecodesign rules will need one too.
What does a Declaration of Conformity include?
Most EU laws use the same model structure, and the PPWR provides its own template. A DoC typically includes:
- Product identification, such as name, model, and batch or serial number, so the document can be traced to the product
- Manufacturer details, and those of the authorized representative if one acts on the manufacturer's behalf
- A statement of sole responsibility and the list of EU laws the product complies with
- References to standards or technical specifications used to prove compliance
- Notified body details, if an independent testing organization was involved
- Place, date, name and role of the person who signs
How is a Declaration of Conformity created?
- Identify the applicable laws. List every EU law that covers the product or its packaging. When several apply, one declaration covers all of them.
- Assess conformity. Check the product against each requirement, usually using harmonized European standards. Some products must be checked by a notified body, which is an independent organization appointed to verify compliance. Under PPWR, the manufacturer assesses its packaging itself.
- Compile the technical documentation. Gather the evidence behind the declaration, such as design details, test reports, material information and supplier declarations.
- Draft and sign the declaration. Follow the model structure, have it signed by someone authorized to commit the company, and translate it into the languages required in each market.
- Keep it current. Update the declaration whenever the design, materials or standards change, and store it with the technical documentation for as long as each law requires. Under PPWR, this is 5 years for single-use packaging and 10 years for reusable packaging. Storing each version with the product or packaging record makes it easy to supply the right one when authorities, importers or retailers ask.
