All apparatus covered by the Directive, in accordance with the protection requirements, must bear the CE marking

The CE marking is affixed by the manufacturer, or their authorised representative established within the EEA, to the apparatus or, if this is not possible, to the packaging, instructions for use or guarantee certificate, in that order of priority.

Where the apparatus is covered by other Directives providing for the CE marking, application of the CE marking also indicates that the apparatus conforms to the provisions of the other Directives applicable to it.

The CE marking is to be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly.

It is prohibited to affix any marks or inscriptions that are likely to mislead third parties as to the verbal or pictorial significance of the CE conformity marking

In order to more readily facilitate the free movement of goods, it would be sensible to affix the CE marking to both the equipment itself and the packaging. This would allow the status of the goods to be ascertained without opening the packaging. There is nothing in the Directive to prevent this.