Under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), appointing an EU representative is mandatory for companies based outside of the European Union that wish to sell products within the EU market. This representative acts as a liaison between the business and the EU regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with safety standards and handling important documentation or communication on behalf of the principal company.
While the regulation does not explicitly prohibit appointing a friend as your EU representative, there are important factors to consider:
Qualification and Expertise: The appointed representative should have a thorough understanding of EU product safety regulations and compliance requirements. They need to be capable of effectively communicating with EU regulatory authorities and handling any compliance issues that may arise.
Legislation and Liability: Your representative will bear legal responsibility for ensuring compliance with the safety standards and may be held accountable for regulatory breaches. It is essential to ensure that the person you appoint is aware of these responsibilities and is adequately prepared to fulfill them.
Documentation and Communication: Your friend must be accessible and responsive to queries from European authorities. They should be capable of maintaining and managing all necessary documentation and communication channels.
Commercial Arrangement: It’s important to establish a formal agreement outlining their responsibilities, scope of representation, and any financial transactions involved to prevent misunderstandings or legal issues.
If your friend possesses the necessary skills and is willing to take on this role, they can be your EU representative. However, due to the complexity and critical nature of compliance, it is often recommended to consider professional EU representation services that specialize in this field to avoid potential risks and ensure a smooth operation within the EU market.