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/

 

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