We manufacture application specific subassemblies (keyboards) that are used on special computer systems, workstations etc. We typically do not place these goods on the market, as they are designed specifically for a particular system, and have no intrinsic functions of their own. Sometimes our customers who are the system integrators will ask for the CE Mark or FCC certification. We explain that this is really putting the cart before the horse as the "system" is what must be tested and CE Marked or FCC certified.
I have noticed that desktop computer subassemblies are often CE Marked, even when the same manufactuerer logo is on the whole system. I would assume that these subassemblies (i.e. keyboards) can be used with several systems, and are consequently tested with a few "representative" systems and then marked. Do the "representative" systems need to be noted on the Declaration of Conformity? If I test my subassembly with System A and B, can System C claim they are compliant because they have a similar product and are using my CE Marked subassembly? There seems to be the potential for marketing games to be played by suppliers of components and subassemblies by promoting the CE mark to the end user (or potential customer), with the promise of "use all CE Marked parts and your end product will be compliant". If nothing else, it looks like there may be a lot of redundancy in testing of products. Darrell Locke Advanced Input Devices
