CE Marking for Fibre Optic Components: What is Required?

CE marking for fibre optic products, declaration of conformity for optical fibre, and product certification are mandatory for all fibre optic components distributed in the EU, provided they fall under one of the applicable EU directives — particularly the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU for active components and the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for electronic parts. Passive fibre optic components such as splice boxes, patch cables or connectors do not require CE marking, as they do not fall under the harmonised directives. As of 2026, the declaration of conformity must be made digitally available in accordance with the Omnibus IV package.

This distinction between active and passive components frequently causes confusion in procurement. Whilst an optical distribution frame or splice cassette is legally compliant without a CE mark, media converters, optical amplifiers or active network components must bear the CE marking. The new Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 also tightens documentation requirements.

Legal Basis for Fibre Optic CE Compliance in the DACH Region

CE marking for fibre optic components is based on the New Legislative Framework (NLF) of the EU, which has harmonised product safety since 2008. For Germany, the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) additionally applies; in Austria, the Product Safety Act 2004; and in Switzerland, the technical standards of the Product Safety Ordinance. CE fibre optic compliance, declaration of conformity for optical fibre, and product certification follow a standardised assessment procedure.

The following EU directives are relevant for fibre optic components:

• Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU: Applies to electrical equipment between 50–1000V AC and 75–1500V DC
• EMC Directive 2014/30/EU: Electromagnetic compatibility for all electrical/electronic devices
• RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
• REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006: Chemical registration for all products
• Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU: For radio-based fibre optic components

As of 12 February 2026, the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) also applies, which mandates fibre-optic-ready building infrastructure in new buildings. Although this primarily affects installation, it increases demand for standards-compliant components with demonstrable quality.

Which Fibre Optic Components Require CE Marking?

The obligation to apply CE marking depends on the technical classification of the component. Here is a clear overview of common fibre optic products:

Component	CE Required	Relevant Directive	Reason
Media converter	Yes	2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU	Active electronic component
Optical amplifier	Yes	2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU	Contains active electronics
Splice boxes (passive)	No	—	Purely mechanical product
Patch cables	No	—	Passive transmission
Connectors (LC, SC)	No	—	Mechanical connection
ODF with power supply	Yes	2014/35/EU	Electrical components integrated
Splice modules (passive)	No	—	No electrical components
Network cabinets with PDU	Yes	2014/35/EU	Power distribution integrated

This distinction is essential for procurement and quality assurance teams: whilst our SlimConnect 1HE splice modules with up to 96 fibres are passive components that do not require CE marking, integrated systems with power supply must be fully compliant.

Declaration of Conformity for Optical Fibre: Content and Requirements 2026

CE fibre optic compliance, declaration of conformity for optical fibre, and product certification requires, as of 2026 under the Omnibus IV package, digital provision of the declaration of conformity. This must be available for 10 years after being placed on the market and must contain the following mandatory information:

• Unique product identification (serial number, type, batch)
• Name and address of the manufacturer and any authorised representative
• Confirmation of conformity with all relevant EU directives
• Reference to applied harmonised standards (e.g. IEC 61754-15 for LC connectors)
• Name and identification number of the notified body (if involved)
• Date and signature of the responsible person

The digital declaration of conformity must be accessible via a QR code or URL on the product or packaging. This also applies to imported fibre optic components from East Asia.

Fiber Products Quality Promise: As an official Diamond Partner and manufacturer, we produce modular splice systems in Europe. Benefit from Swiss precision and 5 years warranty on our systems.

Harmonised Standards for Fibre Optic Products in Detail

Compliance with harmonised standards establishes a presumption of conformity — a legal advantage in CE marking. The following standards are essential for fibre optic components:

• EN 61300 series: Basic test and measurement methods for optical fibre connector elements
• EN 61753 series: Operating performance of optical fibre connector elements (Category C for controlled environment, Category I for industrial)
• EN 61754 series: Interfaces for optical fibre connectors (e.g. -15 for LC, -4 for SC)
• EN 60825-1: Safety of laser equipment (for active components)
• EN 50173 series: Information technology — Generic cabling systems for customer premises

The new VDE Guideline 0800-730 (2026) further simplifies building installation and reduces fire safety requirements through optimised routing. This reduces installation costs by up to 30% with consistent safety levels.

Test Procedures and Documentation for CE Fibre Optic Components

The conformity assessment procedure for active fibre optic components typically follows Module A (internal production control) of Decision 768/2008/EC. For safety-critical applications, Module B (EU type-examination) may be required.

Test Step	Requirement	Documentation	Frequency
Risk assessment	EN ISO 12100	Risk analysis document	On design change
EMC testing	EN 61000-6-2/-4	Test report from accredited laboratory	Type testing
Electrical safety	EN 60950-1	Test protocol	Serial inspection
Optical power	EN 61300-3-4	Attenuation measurement < 0.25 dB	Sample 1%
Environmental testing	EN 61300-2 series	Climate test protocol	Type testing

Technical documentation must include all test reports, design drawings and bills of materials. As a Made in Germany manufacturer, we routinely conduct these tests for our active components.

Market Surveillance and Consequences of Missing CE Marking

The Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 has significantly tightened controls since July 2021. Market surveillance authorities conduct more frequent spot checks, particularly for imports from third countries. Where CE fibre optic marking, declaration of conformity for optical fibre, or product certification is absent or incorrect, the following penalties apply:

• Sales ban and recall of already delivered products
• Fines up to €100,000 under § 39 ProdSG
• Criminal prosecution in case of personal injury
• Civil liability to injured parties
• Entry in the European RAPEX rapid alert system

For procurement teams, this means: always verify the completeness of CE documentation for active components. Request the declaration of conformity proactively and archive it digitally.

Special Case: E2000 Connectors and Industrial Applications with IP65

Fibre optic components for industrial environments are subject to special requirements. The E2000 connector with its spring-loaded protective shutter achieves IP65 protection class, making it suitable for dusty and humid environments. As a Diamond Partner, we offer the complete E2000 product range in Swiss quality.

For DIN rail-mounted applications, the following additional requirements apply:

• Vibration resistance to IEC 61373 (railway applications)
• Temperature range -40°C to +85°C under Category I
• EMC immunity to EN 61000-6-2 for industrial environments
• Flammability to UL94 V-0 for enclosure material

Our DIN rail-mounted boxes meet these requirements and provide space for up to 24 fibres in compact form — ideal for automation control cabinets.

MPO/MTP Connectors and High-Density Requirements

Data centres increasingly use MPO/MTP connectors for high-density cabling. These multi-fibre connectors carry 12, 24 or 72 fibres in a single mating cycle. CE relevance often arises indirectly through integration into active components.

Key standards for MPO/MTP:

• IEC 61754-7: Mechanical interface for MPO connectors
• IEC 61300-3-35: Attenuation measurement for multi-fibre connectors
• TIA-604-5: FOCIS-5 for MPO connector geometry

Our VarioConnect 3HE/4HE systems support MPO breakout modules and enable up to 288 fibres in a 19-inch enclosure — the highest packing density on the market with full modularity.

Practical Implementation: Procurement and Quality Assurance Checklist

For legally secure procurement of fibre optic components, we recommend the following approach:

• Classification: Active or passive? Electrical components present?
• For active components: verify CE mark on product or packaging
• Request declaration of conformity (from 2026, digitally via QR code)
• Request test reports for relevant standards (EMC, safety)
• Demand technical documentation in English or German
• Inquire about the EU authorised representative (for third-country imports)
• Request supplier declaration for RoHS and REACH compliance
• In case of uncertainty: consult an accredited test laboratory

This systematic review protects against costly recalls and legal consequences. The investment in verified quality pays dividends in the long term.

Future Development: Digital Product Passports and GIA Requirements

From 2026, the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act introduces new documentation requirements for in-building fibre optic infrastructure. Every residential unit must be equipped with at least 4 fibres and their installation must be digitally documented. This increases demand for pre-terminated, modular solutions.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is expected to become mandatory from 2027 for all products subject to CE marking:

• Unique product ID via blockchain technology
• Complete material declaration for circular economy
• Production CO₂ footprint
• Repair and recycling information
• Real-time availability of all conformity documents

As a European manufacturer, we are prepared for these requirements and already provide the transparency demanded by our modular systems.

FAQ: Common Questions on CE Fibre Optic Marking, Declaration of Conformity and Product Certification

Do passive splice boxes require CE marking?

No, purely passive splice boxes without electrical components are not subject to CE marking requirements. However, they must meet general product safety requirements and should be manufactured to relevant standards such as IEC 61756.

How long must the declaration of conformity be retained?

Technical documentation including the declaration of conformity must be retained for 10 years after the last product of the series is placed on the market. From 2026, digital provision is mandatory.

Does CE marking apply to Switzerland?

Switzerland generally recognises CE marking but has its own regulations. The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) governs the details. For fibre optic components, comparable technical requirements apply.

What happens with incorrect CE marking?

Incorrect or missing CE marking results in sales bans, product recalls and fines up to €100,000. The manufacturer or importer is also civilly liable for all resulting damages.

Do pre-terminated patch cables require CE marking?

No, patch cables are passive components and do not require CE marking. However, they should be manufactured and tested to IEC 61755 (optical properties) and IEC 60794 (cable design).

How do I verify the authenticity of CE marking?

Request the declaration of conformity and verify its completeness. Check for the correct CE mark size (minimum 5 mm), the mention of harmonised standards and the identification of a notified body for safety-critical products.

Conclusion: Legal Security Through Systematic Review

CE fibre optic marking, declaration of conformity for optical fibre, and product certification are essential for active fibre optic components and are being further tightened by new EU requirements such as the Omnibus IV package and the digital product passport. Whilst passive components such as splice boxes or patch cables do not require CE marking