An Engadget explainer by Anna Washenko sets out what the "CE" mark on electronics and other goods actually means. The letters stand for the French phrase conformité européenne, or "European conformity", and indicate that a product meets the health and safety standards agreed by EU members. The piece matters because such labels carry important safety information, and understanding them helps consumers judge what they are buying.

The CE requirement extends well beyond gadgets to items such as toys, recreational watercraft, electrical and gas-powered appliances and batteries, and 33 countries currently mandate it for domestic sale. A device may lack the mark simply because its maker does not sell into Europe. The United States does not recognise CE, instead using its own certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and ETL. The article also warns of a near-identical "China export" symbol, whose letters sit closer together, which is unofficial and unconnected to EU standards. It advises stopping use of any product that raises safety concerns and contacting the manufacturer.