Tuesday, September 01, 2009

What's New in the European Union
From the September issue of Export News - U S Export Assistance Center
New Requirements for US Exporters of Machines:
As of December 29, 2009 when the new MACHINE SAFETY DIRECTIVE (2006/42/EC) becomes mandatory, US exporters of machines will need to identify a person established in the European Union who is authorized to keep the manufactuer's technical file or have quick access to it. This person's name must appear on the declaration of conformity along with the name and address of the manufacturer. The person could be no more than a letterbox, a point of contact for the authorities in case there are questions about confomrity of the machine or about accidents. The person based in Europe could be the importer/distributor, a lawyer, an authorized representative, or any other person. The manufacturer remains responsible for compiling the technical file. This requirement is an example of the beefed up surveillance and enforcement the EU is putting into effect to back up the CE marking program.
Nyamusi Igambi - Senior Trade Specialist Nyamusi.igambi@mail.doc.gov
Pam Plagens - Senior Trade Specialist Pam.plagens@mail.doc.gov

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