Member States are obliged to take all appropriate measures to prohibit or restrict the placing on the market of products bearing the CE marking or to withdraw them from the market, if these products might compromise the safety and health of individuals or other public interests covered by the applicable directives, when the products are used for their intended purpose. Further, Member States must inform the Commission when they take such a measure. Where the Commission considers the national measure justified, it informs all Member States who must take appropriate action in view of their general obligation to enforce Community legislation.

Before placing a product on the Community market, the manufacturer must subject the product to a conformity assessment procedure provided for in the applicable directive, with the view to affixing the CE marking.