Function

• The act requires that all personal protective equipment be affixed with a CE ("Conformité Européene" or "European Conformity") mark to prove that it is up to the standards of the European Union. Said marking must be placed by the manufacturer.
  
  

Punishment

• It is illegal to manufacture personal protective equipment without affixing an CE designation. Individuals who do so are guilty of a crime that, if convicted, can lead to up to three months in jail and/or a level 5 fine.
  
  

History

• The act was passed by Parliament on April 23, 2002, and became enforced starting on May 15, 2002. CE markings were an aspect of a council directive by the European Council on July 22, 1993.