The history of KEMA-KEUR
KEMA – est. 1927
The tale begins in 1927 in the Netherlands, when the Royal Dutch Electrotechnical Committee (KNEV) established a body to inspect electronic equipment: the ‘Stichting Keuringsbureau van Elektrotechnische Materialen’ foundation – KEMA. Its mission was clear: to improve the safety and quality of electronic devices. In 1931, the trendsetting KEMA-KEUR certification mark was released.
In the following decades, KEMA transformed into an internationally recognised electrical safety institute and became a member of CENELEC in 1982. This membership was key to KEMA’s active role in developing and harmonising European standards for electronic devices. As a CENELEC member, KEMA was able to leverage its expertise and understanding of electrotechnical safety and quality as input for European standards. Consequently, the KEMA-KEUR certification mark is based on European Standards (EN).
Acquisition of KEMA-KEUR
KEMA Quality B.V. was established in 1995 as a KEMA subsidiary. This separate entity focused on certifications and quality compliance in various sectors, offering certifications for systems (such as ISO), workers (certificates) and electrotechnical products (such as KEMA-KEUR). KEMA-KEUR continued to evolve thanks to rapid advances in technology and change in line with new standards and regulations.
In 2009, KEMA Quality B.V. was acquired by DEKRA SE (Societas Europaea). The new ‘DEKRA Certification’ drew on this synergy and became a cornerstone for electrical safety as well as sustainability and innovation. In the year of acquisition, DEKRA also obtained the exclusive licence to grant KEMA-KEUR certifications.
DEKRA Mark replaces KEMA-KEUR
DEKRA Mark was first released in 2021, joining KEMA-KEUR as the second CENELEC-accredited certification mark. DEKRA Mark is based on the same quality management systems, international agreements and product safety standards as KEMA-KEUR. The only difference is the name. DEKRA Mark is now being phased in while KEMA-KEUR is being phased out, so that consumers and manufacturers around the globe can rest assured that products remain compliant at all times.
‘DEKRA Mark’s philosophy is fully in line with its predecessor KEMA-KEUR. This makes it easier for our customers to access global markets,’ says Bram Holtus, CEO of DEKRA Certification B.V.
DEKRA Mark demonstrates your products have been thoroughly tested and meet all required safety standards. As DEKRA Mark is based on internationally accepted and recognized standards, it is your product’s passport to access local markets all over the world.
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DEKRA Mark replaces KEMA-KEUR as our certification mark and is recognized by CENELEC. Read the official statement here
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Everything you need to know about KEMA-KEUR’s successor: DEKRA Mark
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