As you yourselves know best, it is difficult when selling products always to be aware of and comply with all regulations. The RoHS topic is a current example of this.
It is precisely for this reason that we are already informing you today about the new EU regulation on market surveillance and conformity of products (Market Surveillance Regulation) promulgated in the Official Journal of the European Union on 25 June 2019.
From our point of view, the Market Surveillance Regulation is one of the EU’s key measures to stop unlawful competition (e.g. from third countries).
The Market Surveillance Regulation in a nutshell The new Regulation defines uniform rules on conformity and market surveillance for products throughout the EU. Its objective is to reduce distortions of competition and foster product safety to improve the functioning of the internal market. In particular, the Market Surveillance Regulation refers to the changed conditions and fresh challenges of global e-commerce and online trading: joint market surveillance measures should not only be promoted within the EU member states. Not only does the new Regulation provide for cooperation with third countries and international organisations; it also embraces product-related checks before export from third countries. The Market Surveillance Regulation clearly specifies that products in the EU may only be made available on the market if there is a responsible economic player (e.g. also an authorised representative) based in the EU. It is also noteworthy that the term “placing on the market” has been redefined. For instance, a product available online is already deemed to have been placed on the market if an offer is made to an end-user domiciled within an EU member state. A novel feature is that the role of marketplaces and fulfilment service providers will also be taken into account.
Obligations under the Market Surveillance Regulation Fulfilment service providers, but also manufacturers, their authorised agents or importers are collectively referred to as responsible economic players. If no manufacturer, authorised agent or importer exists within the EU, then the marketplace operators or fulfilment service providers are responsible.
Exactly the same obligations apply to all economic players (excerpt):
- Obligation to verify that a declaration of conformity / performance has been drawn up
- Immediate availability of the declaration of conformity / performance to the market surveillance authorities
- Any technical documentation must be made available to these authorities
- Mandatory disclosures if a product entails a risk
- In addition, clear and unambiguous labelling obligations apply to certain products
How you stand to benefit from the Market Surveillance Regulation The new Market Surveillance Regulation will take effect on 16 July 2021 and will facilitate the exercise of comprehensive cross-border powers and mutual exchange of information between market surveillance authorities. End users will likewise play a role in informing the relevant authorities. We therefore advise you to make preparations now and to close any conformity gaps in order to gain an advantage over non-compliant competitors when the Market Surveillance Regulation officially enters into force. This will allow you to benefit from the extensive possibilities of the law enforcement authorities rather than having to fear them. It can also safely be assumed that distributors, fulfilment service providers and marketplaces will already carry out stricter controls before the Regulation takes effect so as not to experience any difficulties with the market surveillance authorities themselves. Please note: All provisions of the new Regulation already apply today; the new Market Surveillance Regulation merely provides new, stricter scope for action.
trade-e-bility will assist you Make use of the free conversation with your trade-e-bility consultant immediately to identify conformity gaps in your product portfolio and to inform and to obtain information already now on the consequences and opportunities for your business. trade-e-bility, in cooperation with its affiliate, take-e-way GmbH, will provide you with comprehensive services (various testing options, provision of an authorised representative, preparation of the declaration of conformity, etc.) in order to meet the requirements of the Market Surveillance Regulation in time for 16 July 2021.
The trade-e-bility team will be delighted to assist you. Please call the trade-e-bility team (+49/40/75068730-0) or send an e-mail message to beratung@trade-e-bility.de, quoting the keyword “market surveillance”. We will keep you informed in the coming months about further details and solutions regarding the Market Surveillance Regulation as they unfold.
