When selling products within the EU, it’s important to understand which CE marking requirements apply. A common question is whether a lampshade needs to be CE marked when sold together with a CE-marked lamp cord. Here’s what EU legislation says.
The lampshade itself – does it require CE-marking?
As a product, the lampshade is generally not considered electrical equipment, since it contains no electrical components. Therefore, when sold as a standalone product, it is not subject to CE marking requirements.
If you sell the lampshade separately, without it being part of a complete product that includes electrical components, CE marking is not required.
However, other safety requirements still apply—particularly those outlined in the General Product Safety Regulation.
What if the lampshade is sold together with a CE-marked lamp cord?
When a lampshade and a CE-marked lamp cord are sold together, the situation can change depending on how the products are marketed and sold:
1. If sold as a complete lamp or luminaire
- When a lampshade and a lamp cord are combined and sold as a finished product, it is considered a new product on the market.
In this case, you are responsible for ensuring that the combined product meets all applicable EU requirements. - According to the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), you must conduct a conformity assessment of the complete product prepare an EU Declaration of Conformity, and apply the CE marking to the final product.
2. If sold as separate components
- If the lampshade and lamp cord are sold separately, and it is clearly stated that the customer is responsible for assembling them, they are considered separate products.
In this case, the lampshade does not need CE marking, but it must not compromise the safety of the CE-marked electrical equipment it is used with.
What about product safety?
Even if the lampshade does not require CE marking, it must still comply with the general product safety requirements outlined in the General Product Safety Regulation ((EU) 2023/988).
This means:
Products must be safe to use under normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions,
Consumers must be provided with sufficient information to use the product safely, and
The lampshade must not endanger the safety of the electrical equipment it is used with.
Summary
No, a standalone lampshade does not need to be CE marked.
Yes, If the lampshade is sold together with a CE-marked lamp cord as a complete product (e.g., a finished luminaire), the entire assembled product must meet CE marking requirements.
To comply with EU legislation, it is essential to determine whether the items are sold as individual components or as a complete unit. If you’re unsure about CE marking, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll schedule an initial meeting!
