Importers and distributors: what they must check

The importer

Places only compliant machinery on the market. Checks that the conformity assessment has been carried out, the technical documentation drawn up, the CE marking affixed and that the declaration and instructions accompany the machine. Indicates its name and contact address on the machine or an accompanying document and keeps the declaration for ten years.

The distributor

Before making a machine available, checks the CE marking, declaration, instructions and the manufacturer and importer details. If in doubt about conformity, does not make it available.

When they become the manufacturer

Whoever places a machine on the market under their own name or trademark, or substantially modifies it, takes over the manufacturer's obligations.

For manufacturers in Switzerland

A Swiss company supplying the EU is a third-country manufacturer there. The customer or distribution partner in the EU becomes the importer and needs complete documents. Under the Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 an economic operator in the EU is also needed as the contact for authorities.