EaseCert Product Grouping Guide: How We Define Product Types for EU Certification

One of the most common questions we receive from companies preparing EU compliance is:

“Do we need certification for every SKU?”

The answer is no. At EaseCert, we use a structured product grouping methodology that allows multiple products to be certified under one product type, significantly reducing costs and administrative work.

This article explains in detail how EaseCert defines product types, what can be grouped, what cannot be grouped, and how to structure your product portfolio efficiently. For a full overview of our services, see what we offer.

EaseCert Product Grouping Philosophy

At EaseCert, we do not group products by SKU, model name, or product listing. We group products by technical similarity.

A product type is defined by:

• Technical function
• Main material composition
• Construction / mechanical structure
• Electrical vs non-electrical
• Intended user (adult vs children)
• Risk profile
• Regulatory category

If these factors are the same, products can usually be grouped into one certification. The underlying compliance documents must also remain the same. If, for example, the supplier changes or the material changes, the compliance documents will change, and a new certification will be required. This grouping directly impacts the risk analysis process, technical file documentation, and product labelling requirements.

Variations That Do Not Create a New Product Type

The following variations do not create a new product type:

• Color
• Size
• Pattern
• Different SKUs of the same product
• Different model names of the same product

Example

If you sell multiple versions of the same textile product, these are still one product type because the function, materials, and risk profile remain the same. The same applies to many consumer products placed on the EU market under the General Product Safety Regulation framework. See the official EU product safety framework here: Regulation (EU) 2023/988 – General Product Safety Regulation.

 

What Does Create a New Product Type

A new product type is created when one of the following changes:

1. Different Function

Different function means different use, different risk assessment, different compliance documentation, and therefore a new product type. This affects the EU product compliance documentation and risk assessment.

2. Different Material

Different materials have different chemical, mechanical, and flammability risks. Material composition must be reviewed under EU chemical regulations such as REACH and RoHS. See chemical testing for EU compliance and Safety Data Sheets.

 

Simple Rule to Remember

• Same material + same function = same product type
• Different function OR different material = new product type
• Electrical / children / PPE = always separate
  

Conclusion

EaseCert’s grouping approach is designed to reduce certification costs, avoid duplicate documentation, simplify compliance, allow future product expansion, speed up certification, and make EU market entry easier. Most companies do not need certification per SKU, only per product type, defined by material, function, and risk profile.

If you want to learn more about compliance costs, documentation, penalties, recalls, and EU market access, see:

• GPSR cost and Responsible Person cost
• EU compliance guide for selling consumer products
• How to sell to the EU
• GPSR penalties and recalls
• Product recall guide
• Checklist for launching a product in the EU
• FAQ
• Contact EaseCert