The standard CE certification process consists of five steps: ① Product classification, confirming which directives apply; ② Standard matching, locking in the harmonized standard version; ③ Sample submission for testing, completed by a partner laboratory; ④ Compiling the technical file (TCF) and rectifying non-conformities; ⑤ The manufacturer signs the DoC and affixes the CE mark. For categories requiring NB involvement (wireless, Machinery Annex IV, Pressure Equipment Category III/IV), an NB type examination step is added between steps 3 and 4.
The timeline distribution is roughly: testing 3–10 working days, technical file 2–5 working days, NB review 2–4 weeks. What actually causes delays is usually not testing, but product rectification and document completion.