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Administration of Occupational Safety and Health Frontpage
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health Frontpage

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health

Warning against the import of work machines and equipment that are not CE marked or are incorrectly CE marked

16th December 2025

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health has become aware of an increasing import of work machines and equipment from countries outside the European Economic Area that are either not CE marked or incorrectly CE marked. It is emphasised that such equipment must bear a valid CE marking in order to be placed on the market and used in Iceland. The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health monitors compliance with these requirements.

The reason why work machines and equipment must be CE marked is that the marking indicates that the manufacturer, importer or distributor guarantees that the work machine or equipment complies with certain safety requirements that have been harmonised within the European Economic Area. For safety reasons, it is therefore essential that work machines and equipment are manufactured in accordance with these requirements.

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health is authorised to prohibit the sale and marketing of work machines and equipment that are not CE marked, or where there is a substantiated suspicion that they have been incorrectly CE marked. Active market surveillance is carried out in connection with the registration and inspection of work machines and equipment, undertaken by the Administration’s specialists in machinery inspection.

The CE marking must be clearly visible and indelible on the work machine. There are no exemptions in laws or regulations, as the aim is to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and others who may use the work machine or equipment. Importing work machines and equipment that are not CE marked or are incorrectly CE marked may therefore prove costly for importers.

The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health encourages importers of work machines and equipment to ensure that they are correctly CE marked and comply with the safety requirements laid down in Icelandic legislation and regulations. Take time before finalising the purchase of work machines and equipment and examine the matter carefully — it can pay off.

Let us work together to ensure that everyone returns home safe and sound.