Introducing an electrical or electronic product to the European Union (EU) market requires compliance with a range of legal requirements. For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, this means ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and proper documentation.
In this guide, you will find specific steps to help you safely and effectively introduce your product to the EU market.
1. Check the relevant regulations and requirements
Every electrical and electronic product must comply with EU directives and regulations. The key regulations include:
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) – applies to devices operating within the voltage range of 50–1000 V AC or 75–1500 V DC.
- EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) – ensures electromagnetic compatibility of devices.
- RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) – restricts the use of hazardous chemical substances.
- RED Directive (2014/53/EU) – applies to radio equipment, such as devices with Wi-Fi modules.
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) – ensures the overall safety of consumer products.
🔹 Tip: Checking the relevant regulations at an early stage can significantly simplify the certification process and help avoid costly modifications.
2. Prepare technical documentation
Every product must have technical documentation confirming its compliance with regulations. It should include:
- Product description: purpose and operating principles.
- Technical drawings and schematics.
- List of harmonized standards (e.g., EN 55015, EN 60598).
- Laboratory test reports.
- Risk assessment for product use.
- User manual in the language of the target country.
🔹 Tip: A common mistake is the lack of a risk assessment or incomplete laboratory reports—pay special attention to these aspects.
3. Obtain CE marking
The CE mark is mandatory for electrical and electronic products. It signifies that the product meets EU requirements.
How to obtain the CE mark?
- Conformity assessment – conduct tests and evaluations in a laboratory.
- Prepare the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – a document confirming compliance with regulations.
- Affix the CE mark – it must be visible and permanently placed on the product.
🔹 Tip: Incorrect CE marking can result in the product being withdrawn from the market, so it’s crucial to address this during the production stage.
4. Registration in EPREL (if applicable)
If your product requires an energy label (e.g., lighting, household appliances), it must be registered in the EPREL system.
Registration steps:
- Create an account in the EPREL system.
- Add product information (energy label, product fiche).
- Verify the accuracy of the data.
🔹 Tip: Failure to comply with the EPREL registration requirement may result in fines and a ban on selling the product in the EU market.
5. Product labeling
Every product must be properly labeled. The labeling should include:
- The name of the manufacturer or importer.
- Contact address.
- Model number or batch number.
- Safety symbols (e.g., crossed-out bin for WEEE).
🔹 Tip: Lack of proper labeling may lead to distribution difficulties and the need for label modifications.
6. Compliance with WEEE and REACH
- WEEE (2012/19/UE) – the product must have the crossed-out bin symbol and be subject to a recycling system.
- REACH (1907/2006/WE) – check if the product contains any hazardous substances.
🔹 Tip: Products subject to WEEE regulations must have a recycling system in place – this cannot be overlooked when planning sales in the EU.
7. Quality control before market introduction
Before the product is put on sale:
- Conduct functional and safety tests.
- Verify compliance with standards.
🔹 Tip: Tests should be regularly repeated, especially with subsequent production batches.
8. Responsibilities of the importer and distributor
If you are not the manufacturer, you have additional responsibilities:
- Verify the documentation and product compliance.
- Ensure proper labeling.
- Retain documentation for 10 years.
🔹 Tip: Importers and distributors may be held responsible for product non-compliance, so it’s important to thoroughly check the supplier's documentation.
9. Market monitoring and documentation update
After introducing the product to the market:
- Monitor complaints and safety reports.
- Update documentation in case of regulatory changes.
🔹 Tip: Promptly responding to customer reports can prevent legal issues and improve the company’s reputation.
Effective certification – Trust RCC experts!
Introducing an electrical or electronic product to the EU market is a complex process that requires knowledge of regulations, preparation of documentation, and meeting all necessary requirements. Neglecting any of these elements can lead to legal issues and even product withdrawal from the market.
Don’t take risks! Rely on the experience of RCC experts and introduce your product to the EU market with confidence. Take advantage of professional support in certification, testing, and regulatory compliance.
Check out our offer at rcc.com.pl and contact us today!
