Authorised Representative &
Business Services
for flexible trading in the UK

Background

Due to increasing globalization and the free movement of goods, there is growing concern and importance being given to market surveillance and product safety by the authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union and other parts of the world.

In a drive towards achieving more control over the products that are placed on the market, the United Kingdom has implemented new legislation and obligations for manufacturers, importers and distributors, also know as economic operators.

Now that the United Kingdom has left the EU, manufacturers not established in the county need to be aware of the changes to their import obligations and those of their customers.

One key part of the new legislation is that manufacturers not established in the UK must ensure that the products are marked with the contact information of their importers or their UK authorised representative. In addition, distributors that import products are now categorised as importers and have taken on new obligations.

As a result most manufacturers are now turning to the services of an Authorised Representative to take on these obligations making it easier for both the manufacturer and the distributors.

As a UK Authorised Representative we help manufacturers place products legally on the UK market by assuring full compliance with the regulations and directives.

In addition we also provide support to apply the UKCA mark to your products if required, and we provide other business services such as guidance and assistance with your VAT returns on your imports and sales if you are registered.

What is an Authorised Representative?

An UK Authorised Representative (UK-AR) is a legal party established within the United Kingdom that acts as a contact between a manufacturer based outside the UK and the competent national authorities within the UK. The AR is able to take on some of the manufacturer's responsibilities, and makes sure that the products being sold on the UK market comply with the relevant national compliance legislations. The UK-AR ensures that your product can be legally placed on the market, and can bear the UKCA mark if applicable.

Indele Limited, founded in 2016, is a UK Authorised Representative and provides a platform for non-british manufacturers to sell their products legally on the UK market. As a consequence of Brexit there have been numerous changes to the regulations for selling products in the United Kingdom making it more difficult than before for manufacturers. Our services provide an easy solution for manufactuers allowing them to keep things simple and flexible in order that they can continue to focus on their customers and sales.

Who needs an Authorised Representative?

The services of a UK-AR are designed for manufacturers based outside of UK who want to sell their products on the UK market. To appoint an AR is not mandatory for most types of products, but most manufacturers prefer to use an AR for a number of reasons including the following.

they prefer not to involve their customer or importer in any MSA enquiry or action and prefer them not to see the full technical information that may be requested by the MSA.
the customer (importer) may prefer not to have to deal with the MSA in case of an action.
the manufacturer has several customers (importers) and prefers to use just one name and address for all the products.
the AR will provide information and updates regarding the relevant product legislation.
the AR will file the technical documentation and will keep it available on request for the market surveillance authorities for the specified period.

For some sectors the regulations state it is mandatory to appoint an AR or UKRP (UK Responsible Person). These sectors regulations include the following: Medical Devices Regulations, PPE Regulation, ATEX Directive, Construction, Pressure Equipment Directive.

What does an Authorised Representative do?

The role of the UK Authorised Representative is mandated in the agreement with the manufacturer, but includes the following tasks:

Ensure the manufacturer has carried out the appropriate conformity assessment process and drawn up the relevant technical documentation.

Keep a copy of the technical documentation and declaration of conformity at the disposal of market surveillance authorities for the period required by that legislation and ensure that the technical documentation can be made available for the authorities on request.

Act as the point of contact between the market surveillance authorities and the manufacturer when required.

If any product presents a risk at any point, we will highlight this information to the necessary parties.

In the event a risk is identified, we support you in taking the appropriate corrective action to remedy any non-compliance causing the risk.

As your Authorised Representative, we will provide you with our name and contact details, to place on the product, it’s packaging or accompanying documentation.

Find out more about the legal framework for authorised representatives here: Legal Framework

How we help.