Meaning
Legal provision in European Union product regulations defines the specific duties of a person or entity that places a product from a third country on the Union market.
Verification Duty
Compliance begins with the importer checking that the manufacturer has carried out the appropriate conformity assessment procedure before the goods cross the border into the single market. The importer liability article 13 mandates that the importer ensures the manufacturer has drawn up the technical documentation and applied the required markings like the CE mark. It also requires a detailed check of the labeling to confirm it includes the specific contact details and the registered trade name of the importer.
This step prevents the distribution of untraceable goods that do not meet safety standards.
Documentation Custody
Storage of the declaration of conformity and the technical file must be maintained for a period of ten years after the last unit is placed on the market. Under importer liability article 13, this information must be available to national surveillance authorities upon request. The importer acts as the primary contact point for safety and compliance inquiries within the territory.
Corrective Mandate
Immediate action is required if the importer has reason to believe that a product is not in conformity with the applicable legislation. The importer liability article 13 dictates that the importer must inform the manufacturer and the market surveillance authorities of any risk. This obligation extends to coordinating a recall or withdrawal if the non-compliance poses a danger to users.