When selling products in the European Union (EU), compliance with CE marking requirements is essential. A critical aspect of this compliance process is the role of the authorised representative, especially for non-EU manufacturers who wish to sell their products within the EU. One interesting and often overlooked requirement is that the retailer cannot simply appoint an authorised representative on behalf of the manufacturer. Instead, the manufacturer must authorise the representative to act on their behalf.
Why Is Manufacturer Authorisation Necessary?
The authorised representative plays a pivotal role in ensuring that products comply with the relevant EU directives and regulations. They act as the point of contact for market surveillance authorities and ensure that the necessary documentation is maintained and provided upon request. Because of this significant responsibility, the representative must be formally appointed by the manufacturer, ensuring they have the necessary authority and access to vital compliance documentation.
3 Steps To Ensure Compliance
If you are a retailer looking to introduce a product into the EU market and need to appoint an authorised representative, it’s important to coordinate closely with the manufacturer. Here are some steps to ensure compliance:
- Find a Suitable Authorised Representative: Research and identify a representative that meets the needs of your product category and compliance requirements.
- Obtain Manufacturer Authorization: The manufacturer must provide a written mandate authorising the representative to carry out tasks on their behalf. Without this step, the representative may not be able to fulfil their legal obligations.
- Ensure Accurate Details: Make sure the name and contact details of the authorised representative are correctly listed on the product packaging or accompanying documents, as required by EU regulations.
Conclusion
This requirement ensures a clear line of accountability, helping to maintain product safety and compliance across the EU. Retailers must work hand-in-hand with manufacturers to ensure that the right authorised representative is appointed, strengthening the overall integrity of the CE marking process.
When you have found a potential authorised representative, make sure that the manufacturer authorises it to perform the required tasks (see
Sections 3 and 4.3). Then make sure the representative’s name and contact details are indicated as required (see Section 2.3).
