In short: a product sold in the European Union must be safe and comply with the rules that apply to it. Depending on its category, it may need to carry the CE marking, comply with the REACH regulation on chemical substances and show specific labelling. The importer has responsibilities for the compliance of the products it places on the market. So the applicable rules must be checked before ordering.
This article sets out the main principles. The exact rules depend on each product: check them with official sources or a specialist.
1. General product safety
All consumer products sold in the EU must be safe. A European regulation on general product safety sets out this principle and the obligations of the various parties, including the importer.
2. CE marking
The CE marking shows that the product meets the European requirements that apply to it. It does not concern every product, only certain categories, for example:
- toys;
- electrical and electronic equipment;
- certain protective equipment;
- certain machinery.
For these products, the manufacturer must carry out a conformity assessment and prepare technical documentation. The importer must check that this has been done.
3. REACH and chemical substances
The REACH regulation governs the use of chemical substances in products sold in the EU. Some substances are restricted or banned. This is particularly important for textiles, leather, plastics, cosmetics and children's products.
4. Labelling
Depending on the product, the labelling may need to show: the composition (textiles), safety warnings, the contact details of the responsible operator, instructions in the language of the country of sale, and so on.
5. Sector-specific rules
Some categories have their own rules, such as cosmetics, food-contact products or toys. They must be identified as soon as the product is defined.
What the importer must do
- identify the rules that apply to its product;
- ask the manufacturer for test reports and compliance documentation;
- check that the tests were carried out by recognised laboratories;
- check labelling and marking before shipping;
- keep the documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Must every product carry the CE marking? No, only those covered by legislation that requires it.
Is a certificate provided by the factory enough? It must be checked: it must relate to the right product and come from a recognised laboratory.
Sources and useful links
- CE marking (European Commission): single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu
- REACH (European Chemicals Agency): echa.europa.eu
- Official EU texts: eur-lex.europa.eu
General information, for guidance only. The obligations that apply to your product should be checked with official sources or a compliance specialist.
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