EU-type Examination Certificates for Importers: A Practical Guide

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EU Type Examination Certificate

Many products that require the CE mark can be ‘self-certified’ in the sense that you as an importer or manufacturer can arrange testing and prepare documentation (e.g. DoC and technical file) entirely on your own. However, when it comes to some product categories – an external review of the compliance procedure, including the DoC and technical file, is required.

In this guide, we explain how this works and why an EU-type examination certificate is a central component in this process.

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Product Risk and Safety Assessment in the European Union: An Overview

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EU Risk Assessment

A Risk and Safety Assessment can be described as a document that lists potential safety hazards, and how you as an importer or manufacturer will act in case any of these risks become reality. Creating a risk and safety assessment document is mandatory when importing and manufacturing a range of products in the European Union, and that is what we cover in this guide.

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List of Products Covered by the EU Construction Products Regulation 

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Construction Products

Importing or manufacturing construction products requires compliance with the EU Construction Products Regulation. The regulation sets out requirements such as safety and performance standards, documentation, and labeling.

In this guide, we provide a list of products that are referenced in Annex IV of the Construction Products Regulation. We also list applicable harmonised standards for each product category.
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List of Products Covered by the WEEE Directive

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WEEE Products List

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) Directive applies to electrical and electronic equipment waste and waste collection. It also covers labeling requirements used to indicate separate waste collection.

In this guide, we list examples of products covered by the WEEE Directive. We made the selection based on the product categories listed in the relevant annexes of the directive itself. We also include examples of relevant EN standards.

That said, keep in mind that WEEE covers essentially all electrical and electronic products – not only those listed in this guide.

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Plastic Product Regulations and Safety Standards in the European Union

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Plastic Products

Plastics and consumer products made of plastics are subject to chemical restrictions, bans, labeling, and lab testing requirements. In this guide, we explain how REACH, RoHS Directive, and many other regulations apply to plastic materials and consumer products.

Further, we also look into plastic food contact materials regulations, and regulations concerning single-use plastics in the European Union.

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List of Products Covered by the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD)

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The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) requires that all products sold in the EU are generally safe to use. Hence, the GPSD can be said to apply to all product categories. However, the GPSD does reference product-specific standards – known as harmonised standards.

In this guide, we list several product categories covered by GPSD harmonised standards, and explain how the GPSD can apply even if no such standards exist for your product. Continue reading List of Products Covered by the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD)

Harmonised Product Standards in the European Union: A Complete Guide

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Harmonised standards in the European Union refer to standards referenced under certain directives and regulations, such as the Toy Safety Directive or the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation. Whereas the directives and regulations provide more general compliance requirements on safety, labeling, and documentation – harmonised standards serve as practical ‘blueprints’ that can be followed to implement said compliance requirements for specific products.

In this guide, we explain how to identify relevant harmonised standards and how the implementation can work. We also list some examples of such standards for toys, electronics, PPE, and many other product categories. Continue reading Harmonised Product Standards in the European Union: A Complete Guide

European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) Guide For Importers

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European Union Timber Regulation

Timber and certain wooden products imported to the European Union must comply with the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR). This regulation’s primary objective is to ensure that timber and some wooden products don’t originate from illegally logged forests.

In this guide, we explain what EUTR means in practice, in terms of covered product categories, supply chain monitoring, and documentation. Continue reading European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) Guide For Importers

REACH Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

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The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation sets bans, limitations, and notification requirements for chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. The regulation covers consumer products imported to or manufactured in the European Union.

REACH lab testing is necessary in order to determine whether a product or material is compliant. In this guide, we explain what importers and manufacturers must know about the testing process, why testing is important, cost examples, and more. Continue reading REACH Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

List of REACH Consulting Companies: Our 9 Top Picks

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Testing Lab

REACH compliance consulting firms are specialized in helping importers, brands, and manufacturers comply with the EU REACH regulation. For example, this includes everything from understanding the specific chemical and heavy metals restrictions for certain products and materials, lab testing services, documentation, and registration.

In this guide, we list some of the world’s leading consulting firms offering REACH compliance services. While REACH is an EU regulation, many of the listed companies are based outside the European Union, including the United States, China, and the UK. Continue reading List of REACH Consulting Companies: Our 9 Top Picks