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

List of Product Compliance Consultants and Law Firms in the European Union

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European Union Product Compliance Consultants and Law Firms

Compliance consultants can help with everything from researching safety standards to the actual creation of user manuals, label files, and compliance documents. They can act as a helping hand throughout the entire compliance process, or only take care of specific parts.

In this guide, we list some of the more well-known and established compliance consulting firms and law firms offering various types of product compliance-related services in the European Union.

Each company profile includes an introduction, service overview, and product scope. Continue reading List of Product Compliance Consultants and Law Firms in the European Union

European Union Product Recall Guide For Importers and Manufacturers

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Defective Phone

Unsafe and non-compliant products can be subject to recalls. This essentially means that you as a seller must arrange the return, replacement, and possible refund of the affected product. Product recalls are incredibly expensive and can spell disaster for smaller businesses.

Further, products can be subject to a recall for a variety of reasons, including chemical content, design safety flaws, incorrect labeling, and documentation.

In this guide, we help importers and manufacturers better understand how the recall process works in the EU. We also cover common safety hazards that can lead to a recall, the EU RAPEX system, and Amazon’s policy on product recalls. Continue reading European Union Product Recall Guide For Importers and Manufacturers

Laser Device Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

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Laser Device

Laser devices cover everything from basic laser pointers to hair removal lasers and laser welding machines. In this guide, we cover European Union compliance requirements for a wide range of laser applications in cosmetic dermatology, medical devices, machinery, and measurements. Continue reading Laser Device Regulations in the European Union: An Overview