It's better not to buy

The little CE sticker can be citizens of the EU products to trust. On the market are fake CE, but showed up in-character. How can you recognize the.

The Wi-Fi amplifier was a bargain, turned out to be ultimately, but as a more expensive fun: The consumer advice centre lower Saxony, reported that the amplifier is, in practice, proved to be a source of interference for other networked devices, the testing and measurement service of the Federal network Agency to be called out and the buyer of the Wi-Fi accessories from the far East, the cost of had to wear. In this case, the faulty unit carrying a CE mark to guarantee the in the European Union, the fact that a product specific security requirements. Alone: it was a fake. Kathrin Körber, 42, a legal expert of the lower Saxony consumer advice centre, explains what it has the CE mark.

SZ: How consumers can check whether a product they buy is safe?

Kathrin Körber: It would be useful to see if it is an original product. As is described in the article, how high the purchase price, a look at the Internet reviews can help. May be first safety deficiencies are identified. Consumers can also get information in the rapid alert system on the website of the European Commission, which products are classified as dangerous.

What is the role of the CE-label in terms of safety?

I do not believe that consumers perceive the CE mark-and we always speak of a mark as a Bio - or trust seal. CE says only that products will meet according to the manufacturer, the safety requirements of the EU

What is a manufacturer of the mark without permission to stick or fake?

consumers in the EU are familiar with the CE mark. You can expect that the product complies with the health and safety requirements. And ultimately, it is each vendor to sell his article.

How do you recognize, as a consumer, a fake CE mark?

Incorrect CE mark is recognized by the fact that the two letters, together, are to close, the Central bar of the E is too far to the towers, and right-justified. The real "CE mark" is matched, and if you represent the "C" as a circle, then it intersects with the "E".

you Could say that manufacturers play with these expectations?

Yes, you can say so. In particular, the manufacturers or traders from third countries, in order that consumers can rely on the CE mark and is not accurate on the product view. But then, when it comes to products that seem to come from the Asian region, I have often wondered whether it was not provocative by the customer is to buy them at all.

On the other hand, made many electrical items now there.

Right! Therefore, consumers need to look more closely and raise awareness. The consumer must, however, be aware that the CE marking is no seal of quality, however, as the marks on the products needs to be attached to.

How often it comes to problems with products that carry a fake CE mark?

many of the products from the Asian region, the CE mark is wrong. We do not know this until the consumers report to us. In the current case, a Wi-Fi amplifier from China amplifier had allowed a much higher transmission power, as the frequency is technically in Europe. In such cases, the testing and measurement service of the Federal network Agency, disengagement and the source of the noise are looking for. The consumer then also this application costs.

What should because consumers can detect whether or not it sticks to wrong on a product?

in addition to the registration of the company name and the address of the manufacturer must be listed. If this is not the case, you can send it All back to the dealer. Better: The consumer should not buy it in the first place.

Warn you before the CE mark, mainly if the products come from Asia?

We warn in principle, articles from the Asian region or in third countries. It's not all bad and not all of them are unsafe. But then, if consumers believe that to buy a safe and well-functioning Wi-Fi amplifiers, however, this is an absolute source of interference for others, we take this opportunity to make products with a false CE mark to the attention of.

If the customer CE through a product with incorrect or not lawful to mark damage - then what's he doing?

If a product does not meet the safety standards and someone is injured or in addition to costs, you as a consumer naturally claims for damages. The need to make the consumer, the dealers or the manufacturers claims. Only If they're in Asia, consumers can exercise their rights not to enforce. In Germany - Yes. In the European Union - Yes. But in Asia, I imagine it would be very difficult.