EU Authorised Representative: Cost and How to Appoint One
If you manufacture products outside the EU and want to sell in Europe, you may need an EU Authorised Representative (AR). This guide explains what an AR does, when it is required, and how to appoint the right one.
Table of Contents
Quick answer
To appoint an EU authorised representative, confirm the product scope, prepare your compliance evidence and agree a written mandate defining the tasks. Complete onboarding before using the representative’s details. The appointment does not transfer the manufacturer’s responsibility for product compliance.
Still checking whether you need one? Start with our EU authorised representative eligibility guide.
How to appoint an EU authorised representative
Use these five steps to prepare for appointment. The exact evidence and tasks depend on your products and the applicable legislation.
01. Confirm your products and markets
List the manufacturer, product categories, model families and target markets. Identify the applicable legislation and the role you need before choosing a provider.
02. Prepare compliance documents
Gather existing declarations, technical documentation, test reports, risk assessments, labels and instructions, as applicable. Identify missing evidence before the representative accepts the scope.
03. Agree scope, fees and a written mandate
Specify the covered products, legislation, delegated tasks, documentation access and authority-response arrangements. Agree fees, renewal terms, change notification and termination arrangements.
04. Complete onboarding and update identification
Obtain written confirmation that the appointment is effective. Check the required operator details and where they must appear on the product, packaging, accompanying documents and online offer under the applicable rules.
05. Keep records and responsibilities current
Notify the representative about product changes, new models and safety issues. Maintain access to current documentation and agree who handles authority requests and corrective actions.
Documents to prepare
Appointment preparation checklist
- Manufacturer’s legal name, address and contact person
- Product categories, model list and target markets
- Existing declarations and technical documentation, where required
- Available test reports and risk assessments
- Current labels, packaging, instructions and online listings
- Details of your EU importer or other relevant economic operator
This is an onboarding checklist, not a substitute for a product-specific evidence review. Ask which documents must be supplied immediately and how the remaining technical documentation will be accessible.
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Costs and coverage
EcoComply combines EU representation with proactive monitoring of regulations relevant to your product portfolio and an expert you can call on demand.
- Representation and documentation: a written mandate, EU address for labels and documentation, technical-document storage and authority liaison within the agreed scope.
- Clear annual pricing: €1,500 per product category per year for consumer products; industrial machinery from €3,500 per model family per year, including technical file review before accepting the mandate. Your proposal confirms the coverage and total fees.
- Support after appointment: AI-powered regulatory monitoring tailored to your portfolio, proactive updates, an annual compliance review and expert support on demand.
When do you need an EU authorised representative?
The answer depends on your product legislation and supply chain. A requirement for an EU-based responsible economic operator does not always mean a separate authorised representative is mandatory: an EU manufacturer, importer or qualifying fulfilment service provider may fulfil the relevant role, subject to the applicable conditions.
Check this before signing a mandate. Our eligibility guide explains the questions to resolve.
Responsibilities of an EU Authorised Representative
The Authorised Representative performs regulatory tasks defined by EU law and by the mandate agreed with the manufacturer.
Typical responsibilities include:
Regulatory communication
The AR serves as the contact point for EU market surveillance authorities.
Documentation availability
The AR ensures that the Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation can be provided to authorities when requested.
Compliance support
The AR helps coordinate responses to regulatory requests or investigations.
Cooperation with authorities
If authorities investigate a product, the AR may assist in facilitating communication between regulators and the manufacturer.
However, the AR does not replace the manufacturer’s legal responsibility for compliance.
Responsibilities of the Manufacturer
Even when an Authorised Representative is appointed, the manufacturer remains responsible for:
- ensuring product compliance with EU regulations
- completing the applicable conformity assessment
- preparing the technical documentation
- issuing the EU Declaration of Conformity where required
- maintaining product safety
The AR supports compliance but does not take ownership of product design or conformity assessment.
Compare providers using the EU AR selection checklist.
EU Authorised Representative vs UK Responsible Person
After Brexit, regulatory frameworks diverged between the EU and the United Kingdom.
Manufacturers selling products in Great Britain may need a UK Responsible Person, while products sold in the European Union may require an EU Authorised Representative.
“UK Responsible Person” is a sector-specific role. Check the rules for Great Britain and Northern Ireland separately rather than assuming every product needs equivalent representatives in both markets.
Learn more:
EU Authorised Representative vs UK Responsible Person: Key Differences
Risks of Choosing the Wrong Authorised Representative
Selecting an inexperienced or unreliable AR can create compliance risks.
Common issues include:
- delayed responses to regulatory authorities
- incomplete technical documentation management
- limited regulatory expertise
- lack of communication during investigations
These issues can lead to:
- customs delays
- regulatory enforcement actions
- product recalls
Manufacturers should ensure their Authorised Representative has strong expertise in EU product regulations and compliance procedures.
Regulatory references
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about EU compliance
An EU Authorised Representative is a legal entity established in the European Union that acts on behalf of a manufacturer located outside the EU for regulatory compliance tasks.
It depends on the product category and the location of the manufacturer. Many non-EU manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Representative before placing regulated products on the EU market.
Yes, if the distributor is established in the EU and formally appointed through a written mandate.
No. The manufacturer remains responsible for ensuring that the product complies with EU legislation.
Yes. Manufacturers can appoint a new Authorised Representative provided documentation and regulatory mandates are updated accordingly.
Ready to scope your EU representation?
Share your product categories, target markets and existing documents. We will clarify the proposed scope, fees and next steps.
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