Why You Need an EU Responsible Person to Sell in Europe
If you're selling non-food consumer products in the European Union, appointing an EU Responsible Person is not optional. Under the General Product Safety Regulation (Regulation EU 2023/988), non-EU brands must legally designate a representative established in the EU to act on their behalf.
This article explains what an EU Responsible Person is, why your business needs one, and how to appoint the right partner.
What Is an EU Responsible Person?
An EU Responsible Person (EU RP) is a legal entity or individual based in the European Union who takes on specific legal obligations for a non-EU manufacturer or brand. This includes verifying compliance, holding technical files, and acting as a contact point for authorities.
The EU RP must be clearly identified on your product, packaging, or accompanying documentation. Without this, customs or marketplaces may block your goods from entering or remaining on the EU market.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Maintaining your technical documentation for inspection
- Verifying that your product meets applicable EU safety rules
- Handling communication with EU market surveillance authorities
- Assisting in incident reporting, recalls, or corrective actions
Why Do You Need an EU Responsible Person?
If your company is based outside the EU and sells products to EU consumers, you must appoint an EU Responsible Person. Without one, your products cannot be lawfully sold in the European Union.
Failure to appoint a compliant EU RP may lead to:
- Blocked shipments and customs rejections
- Product listings being removed from platforms like Amazon
- Regulatory fines and enforcement action
You can learn more about compliance service bundles here.
Who Qualifies as an EU Responsible Person?
To legally act as your EU RP, the person or entity must:
- Be established in an EU Member State
- Be formally appointed in writing by your company
- Have access to your complete GPSR technical file and be capable of cooperating with regulators
Freight forwarders and customs brokers do not meet these criteria. A compliant RP must understand product safety regulations and have the capacity to act in the interest of EU consumer protection.
What Products Require an EU Responsible Person?
The EU Responsible Person requirement under the GPSR applies to all non-food consumer products, including:
- Home goods and small electronics
- Textiles, apparel, and accessories
- Crafts and lifestyle items
- Jewelry and personal accessories
- Children’s items that are not toys
Note: Some products may also fall under specific EU frameworks like the Toy Safety Directive, Medical Device Regulation, or CE Marking. Your EU RP must understand which apply. For full legal details, see the official text of Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
How an EU Responsible Person Helps You Stay Compliant
Here’s what a qualified EU RP does in practice:
- Reviews your product design and labeling
- Evaluates material safety and risk documentation
- Maintains required records for 10 years
- Handles urgent notifications, corrective actions, and recall coordination if needed
- Responds to consumer safety inquiries from national authorities
To learn more about technical documentation and risk assessment, visit our guide: What You Need for GPSR Compliance.
Appointing EaseCert as Your EU Responsible Person
At EaseCert | GPSR Compliance, we provide full-service EU Responsible Person representation. We act on behalf of non-EU brands to ensure they meet GPSR obligations while maintaining a smooth path to market.
Our services include:
- EU RP address and registration in Germany
- Technical file reviews and safety labeling validation
- Ongoing documentation updates and risk analysis
- Support for startups, SMEs, and growing brands
How to Get Started
Getting compliant is simple. Choose the bundle that fits your product range from our EU compliance service plans. We’ll guide you step by step — from reviewing your risk profile to issuing a GPSR Declaration and acting as your official EU RP.
Need help choosing the right service?
Contact our team for a free initial consultation. We’ll explain the requirements based on your product type and business model.
Conclusion
If you're serious about selling in Europe, appointing an EU Responsible Person is a legal must. With the right partner, it's also a simple step toward reliable market access and peace of mind.
Appoint EaseCert as your EU Responsible Person and meet your legal duties under Regulation (EU) 2023/988 — efficiently, professionally, and with expert support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EU Responsible Person required for all non-EU brands?
Yes. Under Regulation (EU) 2023/988, all non-EU brands selling consumer products in the EU must appoint a Responsible Person established within the European Union. Without one, your products cannot legally be placed on the EU market.
What does an EU Responsible Person do?
The EU Responsible Person verifies compliance with GPSR, ensures product safety documentation is in place, acts as your contact point for EU authorities, and assists with incident reporting, recalls, and regulatory inquiries.
Where should the Responsible Person’s address appear?
The RP’s name and address must be clearly marked on the product, packaging, or accompanying document. This is a legal requirement for customs clearance and market surveillance.
Can a freight forwarder or customs agent be my EU RP?
No. Only a qualified entity established in the EU that accepts legal responsibility under GPSR can act as your Responsible Person. Freight forwarders and agents do not meet this requirement.
What happens if I don’t appoint an EU Responsible Person?
Your products may be blocked by customs, removed from online marketplaces, or subject to enforcement action by EU authorities. Lack of an RP is a serious compliance gap under EU law.