Field Notes
What EU buyers must verify before placing products on the market
Importers carry obligations that a factory inspection cannot replace. Map the applicable rules early, then coordinate documents, testing, labels and traceability before shipment.
Discuss your product requirements
Applicable product rules
Review applicable product rules against the current transaction or market, not a generic assumption. Record the source, date and unresolved point so another person can follow the decision trail.
Record the source, owner and review date for applicable product rules. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Conformity assessment
Conformity assessment should produce evidence that can be checked independently. Keep the relevant company record, purchase document, specification or market source with the project file.
Record the source, owner and review date for conformity assessment. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Technical documentation
For technical documentation, write down what would change the decision before collecting more information. This prevents a long checklist from hiding the few items that carry the greatest risk.
Record the source, owner and review date for technical documentation. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
CE marking when required
Treat ce marking when required as an early control, not paperwork added after the order or campaign is underway. Gaps are cheaper to address while specifications, suppliers and market plans can still change.
Record the source, owner and review date for ce marking when required. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Labels and instructions
Labels and instructions needs a named owner and a clear version. Outdated records, conflicting files and verbal changes should be resolved before they become production or publishing instructions.
Record the source, owner and review date for labels and instructions. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Traceability
Use the result of traceability to choose a next action: accept, clarify, correct, escalate or obtain specialist advice. A checklist is only useful when it changes what happens next.
Record the source, owner and review date for traceability. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Responsible economic operator
Responsible economic operator may require evidence from the supplier, buyer, public records or a qualified outside provider. Note who supplied each item and what authority it does or does not carry.
Record the source, owner and review date for responsible economic operator. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.
Post-market responsibilities
Recheck post-market responsibilities when the product, supplier, destination, regulation or commercial route changes. An earlier conclusion may no longer fit the current decision.
Record the source, owner and review date for post-market responsibilities. Keep it open until the evidence supports the answer.