EU Authorised Representative rules - Exporting to the EU/NI and GPSR

[japancool]

So it seems that this becomes mandatory for all goods from next week - I can't find any specific details. Apparently, this also applies to sales to Northern Ireland, but it's unclear if the EAR can themselves be IN Northern Ireland.

Anyone have any more information?

We just started sending to the EU, it looks like we may now have to stop sending. Our products are actually mostly sourced from the EU and have the supplier's contact details label on all items, I don't know if there's any more paperwork needed - in fact, I don't even know WHAT extra paperwork is going to be needed.

 

[lesliedocherty]

ive kind of burried my head in the sand regarding thgis, knowing i should be doing something

 

[japancool]

It came up in PMQs from a Northern Irish MP today. I didn't even know any rules were changing and I can't find any more details.

 

[Newchodge]

It came up in PMQs from a Northern Irish MP today. I didn't even know any rules were changing and I can't find any more details.

As I understand it there needs to be an individual or organisation within the EU to whom complaints and issues about transactions can be referred. I don't think it has anything to do with paperwork.

There has been discussion about it on here. I'll have a look.

 

[Newchodge]

Here https://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/...o-northern-ireland.427152/page-2#post-3249951

 

[japancool]

As I understand it there needs to be an individual or organisation within the EU to whom complaints and issues about transactions can be referred. I don't think it has anything to do with paperwork.

There has been discussion about it on here. I'll have a look.

I know, but something is apparently changing next week - but I can't find out what.

 

[Newchodge]

I know, but something is apparently changing next week - but I can't find out what.

Sorry, I assumed it was being introduced next week, but it seems to be delayed to end March 2025.

 

[japancool]

Sorry, I assumed it was being introduced next week, but it seems to be delayed to end March 2025.

Ah, maybe it's coming in early.

 

[Newchodge]

Ah, maybe it's coming in early.

Or maybe the DUP MP got it wrong?

 

[LPB 123]

Our products are actually mostly sourced from the EU and have the supplier's contact details label on all items, I don't know if there's any more paperwork needed - in fact, I don't even know WHAT extra paperwork is going to be needed.

On the 13th December the GPSR will come in to effect, basically meaning your products will need a responsible person based in the EU to act as your representative for product issues etc. The responsible person can be the manufacturer, importer or authorised representative.

For you, if your supplier is based in the EU, then they would be the EU responsible person and if their contact details are on the label then you are already fulfilling your requirements for that. The only other thing you need to consider is safety and compliance information like potential hazardous, dangerous etc etc are all available on the box or safety information inside in the local language.

I believe the other thread is about the Windsor Framework Agreement which is to do with new customs requirements for sending to NI which has been delayed until next year.

 

[japancool]

The only other thing you need to consider is safety and compliance information like potential hazardous, dangerous etc etc are all available on the box or safety information inside in the local language.

Well, Northern Ireland is not a problem because the information is in English, but other EU countries might be an issue.

It's still unclear whether a person in Northern Ireland can act as the responsible person in the EU for products sent to NI.

So a lot of UK businesses will potentially need a representative in the EU or NI in order to sell to an integral part of the UK.

 

[japancool]

I just asked my account manager from my European supplier, and she kind of shrugged and said "no one really knows what's going on".

 

[LPB 123]

It's still unclear whether a person in Northern Ireland can act as the responsible person in the EU for products sent to NI.

I think that they can be in NI or EU.

Responsible economic operators and product compliance | nibusinessinfo.co.uk

Who can be an economic operator responsible for compliance tasks and what is their role.

www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk

So a lot of UK businesses will potentially need a representative in the EU or NI in order to sell to an integral part of the UK.

Yes they would.

 

[japancool]

I think that they can be in NI or EU.

Responsible economic operators and product compliance | nibusinessinfo.co.uk

Who can be an economic operator responsible for compliance tasks and what is their role.

www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk

Yes they would.

So much for the internal UK market.

 

[AmazonGeek]

@japancool There is another thread on this

AMAZON - EU Responsible Person Requirements from August 18th.

The following is from Amazon for sellers selling into the EU, which i'm sure many of you will be aware of. By August 18, 2024, you must provide the name and contact details of the Responsible Person for most batteries offered for sale in the EU and Northern Ireland to comply with the EU...

www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk

If you need any contacts let me know

 

[eteb3]

So much for the internal UK market.

Brexit means Brexit. I do hope you’re not talking the country down.

 

[eteb3]

I think that they can be in NI or EU.

My read is that is fine for products placed on the NI market: your GB business is covered by an EU rep, or an NI rep, at their option.

After 10 mins of rootling on GOV.UK there’s no clear indication of whether an NI rep is sufficient for selling into the EU. This para suggests it is

EU Regulation 2023/988 on General Product Safety: detailed guidance

www.gov.uk

EDIT: chapter and verse, yes NI rep covers you for EU
“The responsible economic operator can be established in NI and this will be sufficient to meet obligations to place products for sale on the EU market too.”

 

[AmazonGeek]

As I understand it, you need an RP in the EU and since NI is not, it would not qualify.

 

[eteb3]

GOV.UK says otherwise - though it wouldn’t be the first time they had something wrong

 

[japancool]

As I understand it, you need an RP in the EU and since NI is not, it would not qualify.

I don't think anyone really knows for certain at this stage. Certainly not the Government.