From your product to the EU rules, step by step

Seven steps a seller goes through before and after placing a product on the EU market, in the order the work comes up, and the free tool on this site for each.

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out which EU rules apply to your product

   One product can fall under several regulations at once: general product safety, a sector rule, packaging, batteries, software security, deforestation, customs. Start by sorting that out.

   Where we help: Rules finder: seven questions.

2. 2

   Step 2: Read what each rule asks of you

   For every rule that applies: who it binds (maker, importer, online seller), what must be done, and from when. Each page gives the article it rests on, so you can check it.

   Where we help: Product safety (GPSR), Cyber Resilience Act, Deforestation (EUDR), Batteries, Packaging, Toys, Accessibility, Digital product passport, Producer responsibility.

3. 3

   Step 3: Name who answers for the product in the EU

   A product from outside the EU needs someone established in the EU who answers for it: the importer, an authorised representative or another responsible person. Sellers outside the EU usually appoint one in writing.

   Where we help: Guide: the responsible person, Guide: sellers outside the EU, Mandate for an authorised representative.

4. 4

   Step 4: Put the required information on the product and the listing

   Name and address of the maker and of the responsible person, a way to identify the product, warnings and instructions in the buyer's language. An online listing has to show the same.

   Where we help: Label generator, Listing check, Guide: online listings.

5. 5

   Step 5: Keep the files

   A risk analysis and technical documentation for each product, kept for years and shown to an authority on request, and a register of the complaints you receive.

   Where we help: Guide: technical documentation, Complaint register.

6. 6

   Step 6: Product-specific duties

   Some goods carry a duty of their own: plot coordinates for wood, cocoa, coffee, rubber, soy, palm oil and cattle; a carbon charge on steel, aluminium, cement and fertiliser; a customs duty on small parcels; a guarantee notice at the point of sale.

   Where we help: EUDR plot register, The EUR 3 parcel duty, Legal guarantee notice, CBAM in short.

   For CBAM costs and default values, use the sister site. CBAM Exporter Pack.

7. 7

   Step 7: When something goes wrong

   An accident, a dangerous product or an exploited vulnerability starts a clock: authorities and users have to be told, and some deadlines are counted in hours.

   Where we help: Guide: accidents and recalls, Recall notice, CRA reporting duties, CRA reporting register and deadlines.