Lift Module B+E Certification

Module B+E is the most widely used CE conformity assessment route under the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU. It combines the EU type-examination of a model lift (Module B, Annex IV, Part B) with product quality assurance (Module E, Annex X) covering the final inspection and testing of lifts installed within the approved model scope.

Short answer: It suits companies that install standard lifts based on an approved model, outsource engineering services and want to keep their monthly fixed costs low. You cannot go beyond the type scope.

How Does Module B+E Work?

Modules B and E are applied together; they cannot be used separately. A lift company cannot obtain a Module E certificate without Module B; after this, however, it can obtain further Module B certificates.

• B (type-examination): The notified body examines the model lift and issues an EU type-examination certificate.
• E (product quality assurance): The company carries out the final inspection and testing of every lift it installs within the model scope through a quality system approved by the notified body.

The notified body assesses and approves the quality system, carries out regular surveillance audits and, during unannounced visits, may carry out or have carried out tests on lifts. The company draws up the EU declaration of conformity for every lift within the approved scope and affixes the CE marking.

What Does the Product Quality System Cover?

• final inspection and test instructions and acceptance criteria,
• verification that each lift is within the scope of the type certificate,
• test reports and installation records,
• calibrated measuring equipment and calibration tracking,
• personnel competence, nonconformity and corrective action management.

Who Is Module B+E Suitable For?

Under Module B+E, lift companies can outsource engineering services; electrical and mechanical engineering services can be obtained externally. The company avoids monthly fixed costs and pays in proportion to the work it does. B+E is therefore particularly suitable for lift companies that:

• install standard lifts based on approved models,
• do not employ engineers permanently,
• do not wish to take on company-wide design responsibility.

Companies holding a B+E certificate are not required to obtain an ISO certificate as well.

Type Scope and Changes

A Module B certificate allows a defined number of lift types to be built; you cannot go beyond these types. They are usually electric direct (1:1 roping), electric indirect (2:1 roping) and hydraulic indirect lifts. The company must show a lift for each type during the audit.

A lift company cannot use components outside its declared component list and types without approval of the change from the notified body. If it declares the types and components it wishes to change during surveillance, the change can be made.

For lifts that require materials other than those specified, a different type, or a risk analysis (reduced headroom, insufficient pit, insufficient safety space above the car, etc.), Module G is used for registration.

Differences Between B+E, B+D and H1

• Module B+D: The quality system covers not only final inspection and testing but also manufacture and installation.
• Module H1: It is not tied to a model lift; all processes, including design, are managed by a full quality system.
• Module B+F: Instead of quality system approval, every completed lift is inspected by a notified body.

For a general comparison of the routes, see our Lift Certification Modules guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Module E certificate be obtained without Module B?

No. Module E is applied on the basis of a model lift that has passed type-examination; B and E are used together.

Is it mandatory to employ engineers for B+E?

Under B+E, electrical and mechanical engineering services can be outsourced. The company’s quality system, however, must define competent personnel to carry out the final inspection and testing.

What should I do if I need to build a lift outside my type?

A lift outside the approved model scope can be certified through unit verification with Module G, or the scope of the type certificate can be extended after assessment with the notified body.

Legal Basis

For the current scope and annexes, refer to the Lifts Regulation (2014/33/EU) (in Turkish) and the consolidated text of Directive 2014/33/EU.