Authorized Representative (AR) in the UK and EU: Understanding Their Role and Importance
AR, GPSR
-
Founder of Euverify | EU & UKCA Compliance Expert
Ajay is an eCommerce expert with 17+ years of experience as an Amazon, eBay, and Etsy seller and a Shopify specialist. He excels in EU and UK compliance, including GPSR and UKCA, helping businesses expand into European and UK markets. Ajay is the founder of Sweans, a London-based eCommerce agency, and Euverify.com, a SaaS platform streamlining compliance for non-EU sellers.
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- April 2, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesHow to Make Your Etsy Listings GPSR Compliant and Add Your EU Economic Operator
- March 10, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesGPSR Compliance: What Happens to Products Manufactured Before 13 December 2024?
AR, GPSR
Navigating regulatory compliance can be complex, especially for companies outside the UK or EU looking to sell their products in these markets. The concept of an Authorized Representative (AR) is critical for ensuring products meet the required standards and regulations. This blog explains what an Authorized Representative is, their role in compliance, and how they simplify market access.
What is an Authorized Representative (AR)?
An Authorized Representative (AR) is a person or company located in the UK or EU, appointed by a manufacturer outside these regions to act on their behalf. They serve as the point of contact for regulatory authorities and ensure compliance with applicable directives and standards.
Key Responsibilities of an Authorized Representative
- In the EU: The AR ensures conformity with the CE marking requirements as per EU regulations.
- In the UK: The AR fulfills similar responsibilities for UKCA marking, the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory framework.
Holding Technical Documentation
- The AR must have access to the product’s technical documentation (e.g., test reports, risk assessments) and provide it to regulatory authorities when requested.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- The AR ensures the Declaration of Conformity is correctly issued, stating the product meets all relevant standards.
Liaising with Authorities
- The AR acts as the primary point of contact for market surveillance authorities in case of inspections, inquiries, or compliance checks.
Traceability and Records
- The AR maintains traceability records, ensuring all economic operators in the supply chain are identifiable.
Ensuring Compliance Markings
- The AR verifies that products are appropriately marked with CE or UKCA markings, as required.
Who Needs an Authorized Representative?
An AR is mandatory for manufacturers located outside the UK or EU who wish to sell their products in these regions. This includes:
Non-EU/Non-UK Manufacturers
- The AR must have access to the product’s technical documentation (e.g., test reports, risk assessments) and provide it to regulatory authorities when requested.
White-Label Brands
- If a white-label company is selling products manufactured outside the UK or EU, they may appoint an AR to manage compliance.
Importers and Distributors
- In some cases, importers or distributors may choose to work with an AR to simplify compliance management.
How an AR Helps Simplify Compliance
Ensures Smooth Market Entry
- An AR ensures that your product complies with local regulations, avoiding delays or penalties.
Acts as a Local Compliance Expert
- The AR understands the intricacies of EU and UK regulations, helping you navigate compliance requirements effectively.
Supports Risk Management
- The AR minimizes regulatory risks by acting as a liaison with authorities and maintaining necessary records.
Reduces Administrative Burden
- By handling compliance-related tasks, the AR allows manufacturers to focus on their core operations.
Improves Market Trust
- Having a reputable AR enhances credibility with customers and regulators, building trust in your brand.
Authorized Representative in the EU vs. UK
Aspect
Applicable Marking
Location
Regulations Covered
Point of Contact
Mandatory for
Representative
CE Marking
Based in an EU Member State
EU Directives and Regulations
authorities
Non-EU manufacturers
Representative
UKCA Marking
Based in the United Kingdom
UK-specific Regulations
authorities
Non-UK manufacturers
Why Choose Euverify’s Authorized Representative Service?
Comprehensive Coverage
- Euverify offers AR services in both the EU (Ireland-based) and UK (England-based), ensuring seamless compliance for both regions.
Affordable Pricing
- Our competitive pricing starts at €200 for the EU, £200 for the UK, or £300/€300 for both regions.
Simplified Process :
- We handle all formalities, including agreement signing and address setup, to ensure your products meet regional compliance requirements.
Trusted Expertise
- With years of experience in regulatory compliance, Euverify ensures your business meets the highest standards.
When to Appoint an AR?
You should appoint an AR:
- Before placing your product on the UK or EU market.
- When your product requires CE or UKCA marking.
- If you are not located in the UK or EU and need a local compliance contact.
Conclusion
An Authorized Representative is a vital partner for manufacturers outside the UK and EU, ensuring their products comply with stringent regulatory requirements. By simplifying market entry, reducing compliance risks, and maintaining regulatory readiness, an AR enables businesses to focus on growth. With Euverify’s Authorized Representative Service, you can confidently enter the UK and EU markets, knowing that your compliance is in expert hands.
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GPSR
Compliance
Products Before 13/12/24
-
Founder of Euverify | EU & UKCA Compliance Expert
Ajay is an eCommerce expert with 17+ years of experience as an Amazon, eBay, and Etsy seller and a Shopify specialist. He excels in EU and UK compliance, including GPSR and UKCA, helping businesses expand into European and UK markets. Ajay is the founder of Sweans, a London-based eCommerce agency, and Euverify.com, a SaaS platform streamlining compliance for non-EU sellers.
- April 11, 2025Industry InsightsTop Reasons for Consumer Electronics Bans in the EU & UK (And How to Avoid Them)
- April 2, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesHow to Make Your Printful Dropshipping Products GPSR Compliant (and Use Euverify to Stay Ahead)
- April 2, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesHow to Make Your Etsy Listings GPSR Compliant and Add Your EU Economic Operator
- March 10, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesGPSR Compliance: What Happens to Products Manufactured Before 13 December 2024?
Navigating regulatory compliance can be complex, especially for companies outside the UK or EU looking to sell their products in these markets. The concept of an Authorized Representative (AR) is critical for ensuring products meet the required standards and regulations. This blog explains what an Authorized Representative is, their role in compliance, and how they simplify market access.
What is an Authorized Representative (AR)?
An Authorized Representative (AR) is a person or company located in the UK or EU, appointed by a manufacturer outside these regions to act on their behalf. They serve as the point of contact for regulatory authorities and ensure compliance with applicable directives and standards.
Key Responsibilities of an Authorized Representative
- In the EU: The AR ensures conformity with the CE marking requirements as per EU regulations.
- In the UK: The AR fulfills similar responsibilities for UKCA marking, the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory framework.
Holding Technical Documentation
- The AR must have access to the product’s technical documentation (e.g., test reports, risk assessments) and provide it to regulatory authorities when requested.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- The AR ensures the Declaration of Conformity is correctly issued, stating the product meets all relevant standards.
Liaising with Authorities
- The AR acts as the primary point of contact for market surveillance authorities in case of inspections, inquiries, or compliance checks.
Traceability and Records
- The AR maintains traceability records, ensuring all economic operators in the supply chain are identifiable.
Ensuring Compliance Markings
- The AR verifies that products are appropriately marked with CE or UKCA markings, as required.
Who Needs an Authorized Representative?
An AR is mandatory for manufacturers located outside the UK or EU who wish to sell their products in these regions. This includes:
Non-EU/Non-UK Manufacturers
- The AR must have access to the product’s technical documentation (e.g., test reports, risk assessments) and provide it to regulatory authorities when requested.
White-Label Brands
- If a white-label company is selling products manufactured outside the UK or EU, they may appoint an AR to manage compliance.
Importers and Distributors
- In some cases, importers or distributors may choose to work with an AR to simplify compliance management.
How an AR Helps Simplify Compliance
Ensures Smooth Market Entry
- An AR ensures that your product complies with local regulations, avoiding delays or penalties.
Acts as a Local Compliance Expert
- The AR understands the intricacies of EU and UK regulations, helping you navigate compliance requirements effectively.
- Risk Assessment & Technical Documentation – A formal safety evaluation must be completed.
Supports Risk Management
- The AR minimizes regulatory risks by acting as a liaison with authorities and maintaining necessary records.
Reduces Administrative Burden
- By handling compliance-related tasks, the AR allows manufacturers to focus on their core operations.
Improves Market Trust
- Having a reputable AR enhances credibility with customers and regulators, building trust in your brand.
Authorized Representative in the EU vs. UK
Aspect
Applicable Marking
Location
Regulations Covered
Point of Contact
Mandatory for
Representative
CE Marking
Based in an EU Member State
EU Directives and Regulations
authorities
Non-EU manufacturers
Representative
UKCA Marking
Based in the United Kingdom
UK-specific Regulations
authorities
Non-UK manufacturers
Why Choose Euverify’s Authorized Representative Service?
Comprehensive Coverage
- Euverify offers AR services in both the EU (Ireland-based) and UK (England-based), ensuring seamless compliance for both regions.
Affordable Pricing
- Our competitive pricing starts at €200 for the EU, £200 for the UK, or £300/€300 for both regions.
Simplified Process
- We handle all formalities, including agreement signing and address setup, to ensure your products meet regional compliance requirements.
Trusted Expertise
- With years of experience in regulatory compliance, Euverify ensures your business meets the highest standards.
When to Appoint an AR?
You should appoint an AR:
- Before placing your product on the UK or EU market.
- When your product requires CE or UKCA marking.
- If you are not located in the UK or EU and need a local compliance contact.
Conclusion
An Authorized Representative is a vital partner for manufacturers outside the UK and EU, ensuring their products comply with stringent regulatory requirements. By simplifying market entry, reducing compliance risks, and maintaining regulatory readiness, an AR enables businesses to focus on growth. With Euverify’s Authorized Representative Service, you can confidently enter the UK and EU markets, knowing that your compliance is in expert hands.
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