European Union · General Products

Product Testing in the European Union

A practical guide to Product Testing for general products sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Products must be tested against the standards that support the conformity claim; Online sellers shipping consumer goods into the European Union

Authority

European Commission

Legal basis

Decision 768/2008/EC

Local representative

A local responsible operator is required

Timeline

Before sale

Cost

Varies by product and testing scope

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, fines, and liability

Who needs this

Products must be tested against the standards that support the conformity claim
Online sellers shipping consumer goods into the European Union

Documents you need

Test reports from an accredited laboratory
Risk assessment and technical file
Test reports to applicable standards
Declaration of conformity

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Test reports from an accredited laboratory
Risk assessment and technical file
Test reports to applicable standards
Declaration of conformity

How to comply

Test against the applicable standards
Identify the applicable product safety rules
Assess risks and test where required
Prepare the declaration and technical file

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Product Testing — European Union
Product category: General Products
Authority: European Commission
Legal basis: Decision 768/2008/EC

Documents we already have:
  1. Test reports from an accredited laboratory
  2. Risk assessment and technical file
  3. Test reports to applicable standards
  4. Declaration of conformity

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Product Testing in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale.

Varies by product and testing scope.

Common rejection reasons

Test standard not applicable to the product
No risk assessment
Test report missing
Instructions not in the local language

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.