Revised EU “Blue Guide” on product rules zooms in on e-commerce, modifications/repairs, assembling, software and Brexit
Summary
The new version still relies heavily on past editions, but has been heralded by the Commission as a "substantial update".2 It reflects recent changes in legislation and in particular, the adoption of a new EU Market Surveillance Regulation3, and very explicitly aims to address challenges posed by e-commerce and online trade. The Blue Guide now also suggests that it is "useful" that CE marking and any required warnings are indicated on that website and visible before the end user concludes a purchase. It also explains how post-Brexit, the EU rules continue to apply to Northern Ireland, including for products imported there from Great Britain. For example, when a manufacturer starts using a revised Harmonized Standard, or when its contact details change, products produced after that date must be accompanied by an updated version of the Declaration. Since this guidance is extensively used and referred to by Member State surveillance authorities, companies should ensure they fully grasp the novelties reflected in the latest edition.