If you are a non-EU company selling products into the European Union, the regulatory landscape has never been stricter. With the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) in full force, virtually all consumer products sold to EU consumers by companies established outside the EU require an EU Authorised Representative (EU AR).
Whether you manufacture electronics, toys, or medical devices, finding the right compliance partner is crucial. Below, we break down what an EU AR does and highlight some of the top companies offering these services in 2026.
An EU Authorised Representative (also known as an EC Rep, EU Responsible Person, or CE Authorised Representative) is a legal entity or natural person established within the EU. They are appointed by a non-EU manufacturer via a written mandate to act as the formal legal liaison between the manufacturer and national market surveillance authorities.
What an EU AR does:
Holds Documentation: Maintains the product's technical files and Declarations of Conformity.
Acts as a Contact Point: Serves as the official local point of contact for EU supervisory authorities.
Handles Safety Issues: Cooperates with enforcement bodies and coordinates regulatory actions if safety incidents or recalls occur.
Provides Labeling Details: Their registered name, address, and contact information must be printed on your product labeling or packaging.
Key insight: An EU AR is not an importer, distributor, or a simple mail-forwarding service. They are legally obligated compliance partners, and in heavily regulated industries like medical devices, they even share legal liability for defective or non-compliant products.
If you don't have a physical presence or an importer willing to take on the responsibility in the EU, you will need to hire a third-party service provider. Based on 2026 industry reviews, here are some of the most prominent companies offering EU AR services:
Known for their rapid onboarding, 24hour-AR typically gets clients set up and compliant within 1 to 7 days. They cover a wide range of products including toys, electronics, machinery, and textiles. Their straightforward 3-step process involves a questionnaire, a digital mandate signing, and documentation submission.
With locations across the Netherlands, Germany, China, and the US, AR Experts offers a streamlined 5-step process. They specialize in compiling and reviewing technical files before authorising you to affix their address to your product.
Operating out of Dublin, Ireland, and the UK, this firm brings over 26 years of product safety and compliance experience. They ensure your technical documentation meets all EU language and traceability requirements and handle all communications with market surveillance authorities on your behalf.
Based in Madrid, Spain, Certiverso provides comprehensive safety monitoring—actively notifying manufacturers to correct potential hazards. They handle a broad spectrum of general consumer products, from fitness gear and bicycles to food contact materials and packaging.
With over two decades in the industry, this Dublin-based firm focuses heavily on specific CE marking directives. They are a great fit if your products fall under the Low Voltage Directive, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, Radio Equipment Directive, or Machinery Directive.
EU Verify stands out for its digital-first approach. They offer a free trial signup process where you can submit your manufacturer and product details for review before signing the final agreement and paying for the service.
Other Notable Providers for 2026:
Certification Company: Focuses heavily on communication with authorities and non-disclosure agreements.
GLOBALNORM: Specializes in strict compliance checks and retaining Declarations of Conformity.
EAS: Offers excellent risk assessment and labeling guidance.
Obelis Group
Not all representatives are created equal. When selecting an EU AR, consider the following:
Industry Expertise: Some ARs specialize in general consumer goods (like furniture and textiles), while others have the specialized medical or chemical expertise required for MDR/IVDR or REACH compliance.
Communication and Responsiveness: In the event of a product recall or an authority inquiry, you need a partner who responds immediately and provides clear, structured responses.
Pricing Structure: Evaluate whether they charge a flat annual fee, a per-product fee, or structure their pricing based on your specific operational needs.
Securing an EU Authorised Representative is no longer just a "nice-to-have"—it's a legal necessity for doing business in Europe. Taking the time to choose the right partner ensures your products stay on the market and your business stays compliant.
