Something about product compliance

Decoding Product Compliance in Europe

If you as an Economic Operator (EO) are sourcing products, product compliance should be your top priority when planning to sell in European markets. But here’s the catch: what does “compliance” really mean, and where do you even start?

Product compliance in Europe isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It shifts based on the type of product and the specific European market you're targeting. That said, there are key elements that most products need to meet:

1. Product Safety Products sold in Europe must meet certain safety standards. Electronics need to be designed in compliance with specific regulations. Toys must adhere to physical size restrictions. Some safety standards apply only to particular products, like the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), while others—think EN, IEC, ISO standards—apply more broadly.

Now, not every product comes with a preset safety standard. So, as an EO, it’s on you to make sure your products are safe. This means assessing potential safety risks at every stage of development—not just checking existing standards.

1. Document Requirements You’ll need both self-issued and third-party documents to stay compliant. In the EU, manufacturers must issue a Declaration of Conformity, which confirms that a product meets all necessary regulations.

This might sound like red tape, but here’s the deal: without proper documentation, even compliant products can be pulled from the market, or worse, fined. Be ready to maintain a technical file for each product. This includes design schematics, risk assessments, labels, manuals, and more.

Third-party documents, like test reports from compliance testing companies (SGS, ITS, BV), are often a must to show you’ve done your due diligence.

1. Substance Regulations Europe has strict rules around chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants in products. As an EO, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of regulations like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) and POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants). If you’re communicating with suppliers or running lab tests, make sure your products meet these standards.
2. Labeling Requirements Don’t mess this up. If your product or its packaging isn’t labeled correctly, it’s off the market. This means CE markings, composition labels, and any other sector-specific markings.

For instance, products like toys and personal protective equipment (PPE) must have the CE marking, signifying that they meet EU health, safety, and environmental standards.

1. Testing Requirements Testing is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think about compliance. While not every product needs third-party testing, it’s a surefire way to verify your product’s compliance—especially if you don’t have the equipment to run your own tests.

Where Can You Find Information on European Regulations?

Product compliance in Europe isn’t one-size-fits-all, and finding regulations can be tricky. Different products are managed by different regulatory bodies, so it can get complicated.

For example, if you’re dealing with electronics, you’ll need to check in with regulators focused on electronics, as well as those overseeing general product labeling and documentation.

Legal texts exist, but let’s face it—they’re often dense and hard to interpret. Here’s where to look:

• European Commission: The EU’s official site is the go-to for compliance information on regulations like REACH, CE marking, and the General Product Safety Directive.
• ComplianceGate: A tool for importers, brands, and Amazon sellers to make sense of US and EU compliance, covering everything from certification to labeling.
• ProductIP: A handy platform for EU companies to find product-specific requirements and generate documentation.
• Test Houses: Think Eurofins, Hohenstein, and national institutes like Centexbel, DITF Denkendorf,... These organisations are key players in compliance testing and can help guide you through the process.

Practical Steps to Ensure Your Product’s Compliance

You might be tempted to just send your product to a lab like TüV, UL, or Intertek for testing and call it a day, but it’s not that simple. Testing is crucial, but it’s just one part of the puzzle.

Here’s how to break it down:

• Supplier Capability: Ensure your supplier has a history of making compliant products. Request previous test reports and compliance documents. If they can’t provide these, you might want to think twice.
• Labeling Knowledge: Your supplier needs to understand the European labeling requirements. Arm them with ready-to-go, compliant label files.
• Compliance is a Process: Testing isn’t the final step—it’s just one part of a larger compliance strategy.

The Basic Compliance Checklist for Europe

Navigating compliance doesn’t have to be an endless maze. Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

• Supplier Capability: Can your supplier prove they can meet at least one EU standard?
• Product Standards: Research the standards for your product in the European market. If you’re unsure, hire a consultant.
• Substance Regulations: Identify the chemical and heavy metal restrictions under EU regulations.
• Document Requirements: Know which documents you can issue yourself and which need third-party certification.
• Labeling Requirements: Make sure you understand the CE marking and other label requirements like recycling logos.
• Packaging Requirements: Be aware of EU-specific packaging regulations.
• Testing Requirements: Is third-party testing required? If not, it’s still a smart move to get it done.

Compliance might seem daunting at first, but once you break it down into digestible steps, it becomes much more manageable. Keep your suppliers in the loop, document everything, and stay updated on regulations—and you’ll be good.