CE marking of laser machines: the key takeaways
Looking back at IREPA LASER’s talk at Global Industrie 2026
At the Global Industrie 2026 trade fair, IREPA LASER gave a talk on a key topic for manufacturers: the CE marking of laser devices and machines and its implications for safety.
Led by Franck Rigolet, laser safety expert and head of the LASER ACADEMY training centre, the talk shed light on the realities on the ground, which are often far removed from common assumptions.
A solid regulatory framework… but not always properly applied
CE marking is a cornerstone of the European regulatory system. It certifies that a piece of equipment complies with the essential safety requirements set out in the applicable directives, notably the Machinery Directive.
However, one key point is worth remembering: CE marking is based on a self-declaration by the manufacturer. It is not a certification issued by an independent authority.
In a fast-growing market for laser technologies, this system is now showing its limits.
Market developments that increase the risks
The talk highlighted several worrying trends:
- The rapid increase in the number of laser machines on the market
- The arrival of low-cost equipment, particularly imports
- Significant differences in compliance between machines
- A lack of awareness of regulatory requirements among some players
In some cases, machines bearing the CE marking do not fully comply with European standards, which can lead to hazardous situations for operators.
Technical failures still being observed
The field experience presented during the talk identified several recurring non-conformities:
- Faulty or missing safety devices
- Lack of access interlocking
- Inadequate detection systems
- Incomplete technical documentation
- Non-compliant labelling
These defects can have serious consequences, particularly in high-power laser applications such as welding or stripping.
Laser safety: a shared responsibility
One central message emerged from the talk: safety does not rest solely with the manufacturer.
Everyone in the chain is concerned:
- The manufacturer, responsible for the design and compliance of the machine
- The distributor, responsible for the equipment it places on the market
- The employer, who guarantees the safety of operators
In practice, even when a machine has been purchased in good faith, the user company remains liable in the event of an accident.
Avoidable accidents that are still too frequent
Accidents involving laser machines are no coincidence. They most often result from a combination of factors:
- Non-compliant machines
- Missing or faulty protective devices
- Insufficient operator training
- Inadequate work organisation
These findings underline the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to safety.
Towards a structured approach to laser safety
Beyond regulatory compliance, securing laser installations relies on three complementary pillars:
- The technical compliance of equipment
- The training of operators and teams
- The organisation of workstations and procedures
The balance between these elements determines the actual level of safety within the company.
A white paper to explore the topic further
Following on from this talk, IREPA LASER is making available a dedicated white paper:
“CE marking of laser devices and machines: obligations, responsibilities and safety realities”.
This document offers an in-depth, practical analysis to help manufacturers:
- Understand the limits of CE marking
- Identify the risks associated with laser machines
- Check the compliance of their equipment
- Clarify their responsibilities
- Implement practical prevention measures
IREPA LASER, a leading authority in laser safety
For more than 40 years, IREPA LASER has been helping manufacturers master laser processes and the associated risks.
Through its LASER ACADEMY training centre, the company trains more than 1300 professionals every year in the safety and performance issues of laser technologies.
Download the white paper
Would you like to assess the compliance of your equipment and strengthen the safety of your laser installations?
Download the white paper “CE marking of laser devices and machines: obligations, responsibilities and safety realities” and access practical recommendations to make your practices safer.
To find out more
Would you like personalised support or to put your questions to a specialist?
>> To go further, talk to our laser safety expert via our contact form.
In the press
The subject of CE marking of laser machines and its safety implications has also attracted media coverage, highlighting IREPA LASER’s warnings:
>> Soudage et Techniques Connexes – “Laser machines: CE marking issues and safety risks”
>> Le Journal des Entreprises – “IREPA LASER warns of the limits of CE marking in terms of safety”
