# Importer vs. Manufacturer: Who Is Legally Responsible for CE Compliance?

The EU's product safety framework assigns compliance obligations across a chain of economic operators — manufacturer, authorised representative, importer, and distributor — with different levels of responsibility at each link. Understanding where liability sits is essential for both product brands and their supply chain partners. The GPSR has made these roles more explicit and harder to ignore.


## Transcript

### The liability chain

When a CE-marked product injures someone in the EU, or fails inspection, who's legally responsible isn't always obvious. The EU's product safety framework spreads obligations across a chain of economic operators — where you sit in that chain determines what you're on the hook for.

### Who carries what obligation

The chain runs manufacturer, EU Authorised Representative, importer, distributor. The manufacturer holds primary responsibility; the AR is an administrative interface, not a liability shield. Importers must verify the technical file and DoC, and won't sell products they suspect are non-compliant. GPSR includes online marketplaces.

### The practical implication

If you're an EU importer sourcing from a non-EU manufacturer, verify compliance actively — don't just accept a DoC at face value. Request the technical file and test reports; your name goes on the product, so your liability follows.

Tags: CE marking, importer liability, product safety, EU compliance, economic operators