The new European Union regulation no. 2023/988 imposes several obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors regarding the provision of appropriate user manuals for products sold in the market. This regulation clearly outlines what information must be included in the manuals provided with products to ensure they meet legal requirements and provide users with safety and effective use.
Types of manuals required by law
According to regulation 2023/988, every product available in the European Union market must come with a manual covering the following aspects:
- Installation and assembly instructions – Detailed guidelines that lead the user step by step through the process of installing or assembling the product. These instructions may include information on the necessary tools and warn against errors that could damage the product or pose safety risks.
- Maintenance instructions – Guidelines on regular maintenance that will help extend the product’s life and ensure it operates without issues. Such instructions might include information on how often to perform check-ups, cleaning methods, and tips on replacing worn parts.
- Safety instructions A crucial part of any manual, containing warnings and rules for safely using the product. The goal of this section is to minimize the risk of accidents and prevent damage to both the device and its surroundings.
- Disposal instructions – Information on how to properly dispose of the product once it has reached the end of its useful life. This should include guidelines for recycling and information about the potential environmental impact.
It is important to note that all the above elements can be combined into one comprehensive manual. However, it is essential that the manual is clear and easy to understand and includes all necessary information to help the user operate the product safely and efficiently.
Best practices for creating a good manual
Creating a manual is a process that requires not only precision but also consideration of the product’s specifics and the needs of its users. Here are some key principles that should guide anyone involved in developing manuals:
- Clarity and simplicity – The manual should be written in a clear and understandable way for the average user. Avoid complex technical language that might be difficult for people without specialized knowledge to understand.
- Illustrations and photos – Visuals such as drawings or photos can greatly help in understanding the steps and explaining more complex procedures. It’s important to ensure that these visuals are clear and appropriately labeled.
- User testing – Before publishing a manual, it’s worth conducting tests with potential users to make sure the information provided is understandable and useful. Such tests can help identify any unclear sections or missing information in the manual.
Specific requirements for certain products
In addition to the general requirements for manuals, regulation 2023/988 highlights that some products may be subject to additional standards that impose specific provisions in the manual. Examples of such requirements include:
- Lighting fixtures – For products like lighting fixtures, the manual must include information about the replaceability of the light source. This is important for maintenance and the long-term usability of the product.
- Stationary fans – The manual must include appropriate warnings about the precautions that should be taken during installation and use. This could include information on the minimum distance the fan should be placed from walls or other obstacles.
Duties of manufacturers, importers and distributors
Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring that their products come with clear and legally compliant user manuals. These manuals must be written in a language that is easily understood by consumers, which often means translating the manual into the language of the country where the product is sold.
Distributors, on the other hand, are responsible for making sure that every product they sell comes with a complete manual. If a manual is missing, distributors must contact the importer or manufacturer to obtain the missing documentation. If this is not possible, the product should be withdrawn from the market.
Key elements of any manual
To summarize, here is a list of the key elements that should be included in every user manual:
1. Technical specifications:
- Electrical parameters (voltage, power, etc.).
- Dimensions, weight, and other important technical data.
2. Product description:
- An introduction to the product's functions and applications.
- A description of the various components and buttons.
3. Installation and assembly instructions:
- A detailed, step-by-step guide on how to install and connect the product.
- Tips on the tools required.
4. Safety information:
- Safety warnings.
- Guidelines for use to prevent accidents and damage.
5. Operation and usage:
- Instructions on how to start, use, and turn off the product correctly.
- A description of the product’s features and settings.
6. Maintenance and cleaning:
- Recommendations for regular maintenance.
- Methods for cleaning and taking care of the product.
7. Recycling and disposal information:
- Guidance on how to properly dispose of the product when it is no longer usable.
Assistance in creating professional manuals
All of this may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. RCC Research and Development Center Ltd. offers professional assistance in creating user manuals that meet all legal requirements and user expectations. With our experts, you can be sure that every manual will not only comply with the law but also be easy to understand and practical. Contact us, and find out how we can help your company fulfill the obligations related to regulation 2023/988.
