EU Representative
Especially for e-commerce retailers from third countries
For Non-Food / Non-Medical products
Within the EU (European Union), products imported from third countries are subject to numerous regulations. The legislator demands that the manufacturer and / or importer comply with the relevant regulations.
Since most e-commerce retailers from third countries do not have an independent seat in the EU, WeHandel acts in the role of the EU authorized representative in this context as a link and interface between the foreign manufacturer / retailer and the market surveillance authorities.
The EU authorized representative has many names: EU-REP, EU-Representative, European Authorized Representative, E.A.R., EC REP, EC or CE Representative.
What exactly is an EU authorized representative?
An authorized representative is any natural or legal person who is resident in the European Community and who has been expressly designated by the manufacturer to act on his behalf. This person can be used by the authorities and bodies in the Community with regard to the requirements of this Directive instead of the manufacturer himself.
What tasks does WeHandel perform within the framework of the EU representative mandate?
The role of a European agent is diverse and demanding at the same time. The main tasks include the following:
- Provision of a registered address within the EU
- Keeping of all technical documents ready for inspection by the European authorities for a period of 10 years after the product has been placed on the market
- Completion of notifications to the European authorities
- Complete all registrations in national databases
- Handling of all reports on incidents (incident reporting)
- Representation of the manufacturer towards the European Commission, the authorities and the notified bodies
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with constant updates to the regulations
- Advice on European regulations
Who needs an EU authorized representative / do I need an EU REP?
Absolutely necessary:
If you are a producer from third countries and import your products into the EU and sell them directly to B2C end customers, e.g. via platforms such as Amazon.
Recommended:
If you are a producer from third countries and import your products into the EU and sell them to business customers / importers B2B.
Do I have to expect consequences if I do not comply with the relevant requirements?
The answer is a resounding yes. You have to reckon with the following consequences.
By the legislator:
- heavy fines
- destruction / seizure of your products
- problems with customs clearance and RAPEX reports
By fulfillment platforms such as Amazon:
- closing the seller account
- freeze the credit account
Our services - especially for e-commerce retailers from third countries:
- Provision of the EU authorized representative within the meaning of the Product Safety Act (ProduktSG) and the Market Surveillance Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1020) with the exception of food and medical products.
- Implementation / support with registrations in the necessary databases of the monitoring bodies (WEEE, packaging, battery and CPNP registers).
- Data protection-compliant backup and availability of the EU declaration of conformity and the associated technical documents for the required period.
- Testing and certification of products for the legal, regulation and standard compliant placing on the European market.
- Support with inquiries / queries from authorities
- Product monitoring and quality inspection