In reply to Simon Cahill:
First a bit of clarity for maybe anyone else reading this thread.
The "old" Grigri was stamped CE0197 which could mean several things. That the QC system operated by Petzl was oveseen by an nominated body (in this case TÜV Rheinland as denoted by the code 0197 after the CE mark) OR Petzl wrote their own standard and had this tested by TÜV Rheinland, both being effectively the same thing. Whether strength, braking performance, safety etc were considered one doesn´t know.
For the GriGri 11 Petzl claim certification to prEN15151 but since this standard has not yet been approved or issued this is rather optimistic if not misleading. The current status of prEN1515 is clear;- "Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard."
Nobody cares much either way but it looks better on the advertising!
The interesting point is that the performance test for the GriGri requires hands-free operation so is void if you hold the brake strand, a difficult concept if you see what I mean! A climbing instructor for example is bound to instruct his pupils to use the device as per the makers instructions "...always hold the braking side of the rope" (Petzl) which is in direct conflict with the requirements for EN/CE certification and marking.
If you are a commercial user of belay devices you´d still have to inspect the equipment for function, suitability and wear, damage etc. Your car or minibus isn´t CE marked but you´ll still be liable if the tyres are bald and you kill a customer.
The following groups of products are covered by directives from the EU and come under the CE marking scheme:-
Active implantable medical devices
Appliances burning gaseous fuels
Cableway installations designed to carry persons
Eco-design of energy related products
Electromagnetic compatibility
Equipment and protective systems intended for use potentially explosive atmospheres
Explosives for civil uses
Hot-water boilers
In vitro diagnostic medical devices
Lifts
Low voltage
Machinery
Measuring Instruments
Medical devices
Noise emission in the environment
Non-automatic weighing instruments
Personal protective equipment
Pressure equipment
Pyrotechnics
Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment
Recreational craft
Safety of toys
Simple pressure vessels
All other products are not (and may not) be CE marked.
The current list of product groups and the relevant directives is here:,
http://www.newapproach.org/Directives/DirectiveList.asp