I deliver practical regulatory support for SMEs (Small and Medium sized companies) developing electronic products, modules, systems and small machines.
I help customers identify the applicable requirements, plan an efficient route to compliance and prepare correct technical regulatory documentation. This in the fastest, cheapest and most practicable way possible.
My mission is simply “ensure market access”.
I help SMEs bring products containing electronics to market efficiently.
Depending on your needs, I can:
* manage or coordinate the regulatory compliance project;
* identify applicable legislation and standards;
* (if needed) find and handle 3rd-party certification or assessment;
* prepare or review: Declarations of Conformity, manuals, labels, manage test plans and other technical documentation;
* advise engineers and management on practical compliance routes and solutions;
* support or perform pre-compliance investigations and troubleshooting.
For a full list of services see here.
Yes, I love to hear about your plans and happy to give you a free online 60-minute introductory consultation to discuss your product, plans and next steps.
Yes. Technical documentation is one of my core areas of expertise. I work at the intersection of electronic engineering, product regulation and clear technical writing.
Ideally, early in product development. Early regulatory input can help prevent redesign, avoid unsuitable components and reduce the risk of failed testing. I can also step into an existing project when you need a review, troubleshooting support or additional capacity.
In any case, make sure you have a solid overview of applicable EU Directives, Regulations and delegated acts. FCC requirements for the USA are not very complicated.
I do not act as a purchasing agent, but I can help define regulatory requirements for components or modules that affect compliance.
No. TheCEMarker (thecemarker.com) is an independent consultancy run by me, Ger Bargerbos, a regulatory engineer specialising in CE marking, EMC, and product safety compliance for electronic products. I work with you personally.
CEMarker.com is a separate, unrelated self-service tool that generates self-certification documents automatically. The name similarity is coincidental. If you're looking for a self-service tool, their site may be what you want — if you want expert assessment by a named engineer, you're in the right place.
I have more than 30 years of regulatory experience, ranging from testing and hands-on engineering to
industry representation in Brussels.
Not necessarily. The first step is to understand the product’s intended use, users, environment, power sources,
interfaces, connectivity and materials in/out (if any). This establishes the regulatory framework.
Product-specific technical details then guide standards selection, testing, optional trouble-shooting and documentation.
Not sure until I have more details about the product, but I used a lot of product and test standards,
especially in the domains of EMC, safety and RF.
* EMC standards
can roughly be subdivided in two groups; residential / commercial applications and
industrial applications. These standards will almost always call for the same test standards from
the IEC/EN 61000 series.
* Safety standards are all quite similar but can differ somewhat on the scope.
*
RF standards for products having radios will differ on frequency bands, application types, and
specific technical parameters. But they all share several core technical and regulatory pillars.
* Standards from CENELEC (EN), IEC and ETSI (and many others) are easy to understand.
Yes. I regularly work with hardware, software, RF and mechanical engineers, test engineers, product developers,
project managers, sales teams and senior management. I can lead the compliance workstream or provide focused
support where your team needs it.
Yes. I have worked with engineering and business teams across Europe, Asia and North America.
Laboratory selection should consider cost, technical capability, accreditation, location, lead time, language skills,
communication and cost.
I can help you define the testing scope and identify the type of laboratory you need.
Furthermore, some test labs only perform pre-compliance testing (quick-scans, diagnostics, trouble-shooting),
others are accredited to do full compliance testing.
No. Standards are protected publications, but I can identify which standards are relevant and show you where
they can be obtained legally. ETSI standards are generally available free of charge from the
ETSI website
.
FCC Part 15 requirements (for intentional, unintentional and incidental radiators) are available here , free of charge.
First of all; I am not happy with that situation. It is a bit odd that companies must pay for access to
standards required to demonstrate compliance with EU legislation.
The problem is that the European standardisation system is built as a public-private model:
industry experts develop the standards, and the organisations behind them argue that sales
help finance the drafting, maintenance, and infrastructure of standardisation.
If you don’t want to spend money on standards, which I do not recommend, then you can look
for older (or draft) standards or find test reports that use those standards which gives you a rough
idea about the requirements.
Note that ETSI standards are free: https://www.etsi.org/standards/.
On October 6, 2026, the EC (European Commission) proposed a new Standardisation Regulation.
It would make the harmonised standards, as requested by the EC, free online. CEN/CENELEC
stated their doubts in a press release but stated "...stand ready to work constructively with
policymakers and stakeholders to deliver a faster and more responsive standardization system."
Yes. Note that FCC15 is applicable to both unintentional radiators (digital devices) and intentional radiators
(contains a radio, e.g., for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.).
FCC 15 can be accessed here for free.
Yes. I can assess the current marking and conformity requirements for your product and intended market.
Because the rules and transition arrangements can change, the applicable route should be confirmed for
each project.
Yes, depending on the country and product. For these markets, I can assess what is needed and help
coordinate country-specific certification through qualified local or designated parties where necessary.
Europe / Amsterdam.
Dutch, English and German.
To reduce any risk of the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) classifying our working relationship as
false self-employment (“schijnzelfstandigheid”), we need to work through a checklist to help protect
both of us from adverse financial consequences.
Yes, where the scope and deliverables can be defined clearly. Suitable examples include:
For open-ended development, troubleshooting or project-leadership work, an hourly or day rate
is usually more appropriate.
Rates depend on the assignment, urgency and project duration.
Yes. I am happy to review and sign a reasonable mutual NDA before confidential information is exchanged.
If you are planning a new product, preparing for testing or dealing with a compliance problem, send a short description of the product and your target markets to info@thecemarker.com. We can then arrange a call using Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet.
Book a free introductory call.
[Secondary link:] Email me at ger.bargerbos@thecemarker.com.