Who’s Responsible? EU & UK Product Compliance Explained (AR, Importers & Dropshipping) [Feat. Roberth Jonsson of 24HourAR]

In episode 298, Renaud talks with Roberth Jonsson (24HourAR) about what “compliance” really means in the EU/UK. Industrial products, consumer goods, dropshipping; if you sell in the EU/UK under your own brand, you’re legally the manufacturer. That means CE testing alone won’t save you. You need the right directives/standards, a complete technical file, and (in most cases) an EU Responsible Person, often an Authorized Representative (AR).   Episode Sections: 00:00:13 – Introduction. 00:03:20 – EU compliance at a high level: directives vs standards; CE ≠ everything. 00:06:51 – Who’s the “manufacturer” legally? Private label importers beware. 00:10:16 – Testing reports vs full compliance: technical file, risk assessment, manuals. 00:12:26 – The “responsible person” & why it exists. 00:14:18 – Market Surveillance Reg (2019/1020) and GPSR expanding the scope. 00:17:41 – Importer obligations & the pain of sharing technical docs with many importers. 00:20:03 – When to appoint an Authorized Representative (AR); DTC and online sellers. 00:23:17 – Dropshipping into the EU: why customs may block you without an EU RP. 00:25:15 – EU vs UK: similar rules, separate markets; you need separate reps. 00:26:22 – “Can my cousin be the AR?” Contracts, duties, and… big risks. 00:27:13 – Coming change: Product Liability Directive will add AR liability. 00:29:19 – ESPR & Digital Product Passports; unified customs tools = tighter checks. 00:33:05 – Gatekeepers: ARs/importers get pickier as liability rises. 00:34:44 – How to contact 24HourAR.   Related content... CE Compliance for Manufacturing in Asia: A Beginner’s Guide 11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation? 7 Upcoming EU Product Compliance Requirements (as of 2023) New EU MDR: Who Are The “Economic Operators” For Imported Devices? We’re Buying Medical Devices From China And Are Worried Our Supplier Isn’t Legit | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 8) Check out https://www.24hour-ar.com/ and learn about Roberth Get help from Sofeast (quality, NPD, manufacturing, audits, inspections): https://www.sofeast.com/   Get in touch with Sofeast Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB