A declaration of conformity (DoC) is the document that lets a buyer put a product into a compliance file without re-testing it. When it is vague — no product identifier, no standards, no signatory — it is worse than useless, because it creates the appearance of compliance without the substance.
What a usable declaration contains
| Element | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / responsible entity | Full legal name and address — a brand name alone is not enough |
| Product identification | Grade, polymer, diameter and net weight, specific enough to match the shipment |
| Declaration statement | Clear wording that responsibility rests with the manufacturer |
| Standards or regulations referenced | The actual instruments relied on, cited in full |
| Place and date of issue | Buyers need to know how current the document is |
| Signatory name and function | A declaration without a named signatory is a brochure, not a document |
The scope question to settle first
Filament is not automatically covered by every directive that buyers name in their questionnaires. Two examples come up constantly:
- RoHS — written for electrical and electronic equipment. Filament is usually out of scope, yet retailers frequently require a RoHS statement as channel policy. Supply the statement, but do not describe filament as "RoHS certified" as if it were a conformity assessment.
- CE marking — applies only to products covered by specific EU harmonisation legislation. Treat "CE certified filament" claims with caution and ask which legislation is said to apply.
REACH is different: it applies broadly to substances and mixtures placed on the EU market, which is why an SVHC screening statement is a reasonable and common request. See REACH SVHC screening.
Questions to ask before you file a DoC
- Does the product identification match the exact grade and color in my shipment?
- Is the issuing entity the manufacturer, or a trading company passing on a document?
- How old is it, and does the supplier reissue when formulations change?
- Which test reports sit behind it, and are they available on request?
- Does it cover my destination market, or only the EU?
Building the file
A practical compliance file for one filament grade holds: the DoC, TDS, SDS, RoHS and REACH declarations, and the batch test report for the lot you received. Keep them versioned by date so a retail or customs query can be answered in minutes rather than days.
VOXFIL issues declarations covering RoHS, REACH (including SVHC screening), CPSIA/CA65 for consumer SKUs, and EU/US declarations of conformity for shipments, alongside TDS/SDS and lot-level batch reports. The exact scope is listed in the Trust Center — request the set for your grade before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Does 3D printer filament need a declaration of conformity?
It depends on your market and channel. Many buyers and retailers require one as part of their supplier file. Ask suppliers for a dated declaration that identifies the exact product and cites the instruments relied on.
Is filament CE marked?
CE marking applies to products covered by specific EU harmonisation legislation. Filament is not generally in those scopes, so be cautious with any 'CE certified filament' claim and ask which legislation is said to apply.
What is the difference between a test report and a declaration of conformity?
A test report records what was measured on a sample by a laboratory. A declaration of conformity is the manufacturer's formal statement that the product meets the referenced requirements. Buyers usually want both.