How to make sure that imported products comply with the EU specifications? One of the ways is by implementing systems that establish a common marking for the given product category. The HAR system is dedicated to cords and cables in the European Union. Read to find out how to use the HAR mark for cables and cords in the EU.
What is the HAR mark?
The HAR Mark was developed in 1974. The HAR Agreement, Agreement on the use of a Commonly Agreed Marking for Cables and Cords complying with Harmonised Specifications, states that the Certification Bodies that have signed it will recognize HAR-marked cables and cords certified by other members without further administrative or other restrictions. The European cable manufacturers organization EUROPACABLE, which is a representative of the cable manufacturers in the CENELEC nations, fully supports the establishment and operation of the HAR Mark.
The HAR mark is managed by the HAR Group, which is composed of representatives of all signatories. The advisor is the HAR Advisory Committee, which is composed of representatives of manufacturers’ associations, consumers, and standardizers.
What products can have the HAR mark?
List of cable types covered by the HAR agreement:
- low voltage energy cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V, cables for general applications
- low voltage energy cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V, cables with special fire performance
- flat PVC sheathed flexible cables
- spare
- mineral insulated cables with a rated voltage not exceeding 750 V
- cables for signs and luminous-discharge-tube installations operating from a no-load rated output voltage, exceeding 1 kV but not exceeding 10 kV
- cables for portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment
- cables for specific purposes.
You can search for HAR-licensed products here.
Cables and cords compliance in the UE – requirements for the HAR Mark
The HAR mark indicates compliance with electrical safety and performance standards. The scope of HAR products is low-voltage electric cables and cords covered by:
- HD 21
- HD 22
- EN 50525
- EN 50143
- EN 50214
- EN 60702
- EN 61138.
HAR certification bodies
- Austria: OVE – Austrian Electrotechnical Association Testing & Certification
- Belgium: SGS CEBEC – SGS Belgium NV, Division SGS-CEBEC
- Czech Republic: EZU – Elektrotechnický zkušební ústav, s.p.
- France: BV LCIE – Bureau Veritas LCIE
- Germany: VDE – VDE Prüf- und Zertifizierungsinstitut GmbH
- Greece: MIRTEC – Materials Industrial Research and Technology Center s.a.
- Hungary: TRI MEEI – TÜV Rheinland InterCert Kft., Division MEEI
- Italy: IMQ – ISTITUTO ITALIANO DEL MARCHIO DI QUALITA’ S.p.A.
- Netherlands: DEKRA – DEKRA Certification BV
- Poland: SEP – BBJ – Stowarzyszenie Elektrykow Polskich – Biuro Badawcze ds. Jakosci
- Portugal: CERTIF – CERTIF Associação para a Certificação
- Spain: AENOR – AENOR CONFIA, S.A.U
- Sweden: Intertek Semko – Intertek Semko AB
- Turkey: TSE – Türk Standardlari Enstitüsü
- United Kingdom: BASEC Group Limited – British Approvals Service for Cables
Is the HAR mark required?
HAR certification is not compulsory. The manufacturer can voluntarily affix the HAR mark to show that the product meets the established quality and safety requirements. Such quality mark adds prestige to the products and fosters consumer trust.
Procedure for obtaining the HAR Mark – step-by-step guide
To get the HAR mark <HAR>, manufacturers located in a country where CENELEC standards have been officially implemented can submit their application to a Certification Body member of HAR, usually the one in their country.
- Send an inquiry to the Certification Body, for example, via email
- Fill in the application order and add attachments, such as:
- completed manufacturer’s questionnaire and owner’s questionnaire
- completed manufacturer’s registered trademark form and a drawing
- specification of the laboratory equipment of the manufacturer necessary to perform tests
- Deliver samples selected for testing
- Accept the offer containing costs and realization time by signing the license agreement
In order to stay compliant, you need to have assessments conducted four times a year and allow for surveillance tests.
Why and when is it worth obtaining the HAR Mark?
HAR mark is a common mark of conformity according to European ENs or HDs on cables and cords. By affixing the HAR mark on your cables and cords, you confirm compliance with the EU norm. The HAR mark is one of the strongest tools for assisting producers in getting access to the European market, symbolizing the assurance of quality and reliability.
