TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR LOW-COST GOODS, COMPANIES ARE INCREASINGLY BUYING ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS DIRECTLY FROM MANUFACTURERS ABROAD. WITHIN EU LAW THIS CHANGES THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AS THEY CUT OUT THE TRADITIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN. JEAN-LOUIS EVANS, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT TUV SUD PRODUCT SERVICE, A GLOBAL PRODUCT TESTING AND CERTIFICATION ORGANISATION, EXPLAINS. WITH MORE DIRECTIVES becoming effective, an ever increasing number of products are required to bear the CE marking to gain access to the EU market. However, many non-EU exporters are still unaware of or unsure about this and its impact on their business. This means a UK company's reliance on a foreign manufacturer's CE marking could put their brand reputation at stake as they may be purchasing unsafe goods. Finding their way through the CE marking maze is a challenge for all businesses importing into the EU. Products that fall under a CE marking directive cannot be imported in to the EU unless they show the mark. Customs officials keep watch for the CE marking and those businesses importing into the EU are required to hold evidence of the test reports and certificates in the form of a technical file that proves compliance. If such information is missing, this may result in their prosecution as they have a legal responsibility for ensuring proof of compliance.
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