How to Choose an EU Authorised Representative / Responsible Person (AR/RP): A Key Step for Non-EU Exporters

The European Union (EU) is one of the world’s most attractive markets — high demand, strong purchasing power, and a premium reputation for compliant products. However, access to the EU market comes with strict regulatory requirements.

For many product categories, non-EU manufacturers must appoint a legal representative in the EU — either an Authorised Representative (AR) or Responsible Person (RP) — depending on the relevant EU legislation.

What is an AR or RP — and Why Is It Mandatory?

The appointed entity acts on behalf of the manufacturer within the EU and is legally responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance. Depending on the product type, this role may be referred to differently:

• Cosmetics – Responsible Person (RP)

• Medical Devices – Authorised Representative (AR)

• Detergents – Legal Responsible Person

In all cases, the AR/RP is responsible for:

• Ensuring the product complies with applicable EU regulations

• Keeping technical documentation available for inspection

• Communicating with EU market surveillance authorities

• Managing corrective actions in case of safety risks

❗ Failure to appoint a properly registered AR or RP can result in import bans, product withdrawals, heavy fines, and reputational damage.

Three Common Ways to Appoint an EU AR/RP

1. Using Your Importer as the Authorised Representative

Pros:

• Operationally convenient

• No additional cost for a separate representative

Cons:

• Conflict of interest: Importers prioritize sales, not compliance

• Dependence: If you change your importer, you may lose your AR

• Limited expertise in EU regulations

Best for:Trial shipments, test sales, or very small volumes — when you have complete trust in your importer

⚠ Example:A cosmetics exporter used an EU importer to register products in the CPNP portal. When the importer changed, the registration was invalidated. The products were removed from the market due to missing updated contact details. Fixing the issue and re-notifying the products took three months — leading to lost retail contracts.

2. Setting Up Your Own EU Entity to Act as AR

Pros:

• Full control over all compliance processes

• Long-term independence and market stability

Cons:

• High setup and maintenance costs (EU legal entity, office, staff)

• Complex administration and legal liability

• Often not viable for SMEs or new market entrants

Best for:Large multinational manufacturers with significant EU expansion plans

3. Appointing a Professional Consulting Company with Registered AR in the EU

Pros:

• Immediate access to the EU market via an already registered AR

• Expertise in relevant EU legislation: CPNP (cosmetics), REACH, CLP, MDR, BPR

• Independent representation — focused on your compliance, not on selling products

• Cost-effective — no need to establish your own EU company

• Flexible and scalable service

• Full support: documentation, notifications, audits, translations

Cons:

• You must carefully select a reliable, experienced partner

Best for: SMEs, startups, and non-EU manufacturers that want to enter the EU market quickly, legally, and with minimal risk

📊 Comparative Overview: Which AR Option Is Best?

 

Criteria

Importer as AR

Own EU Entity

Consulting AR Company

Speed of Market Entry

Medium

Slow

Fast

Initial & Operational Costs

Low

High

Moderate

Risk of Conflict of Interest

High

Low

Low

Flexibility

Low

Medium

High

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Limited

In-house only

Professional

🚀 Why Working with a Consulting AR Partner Is the Smartest Move

✔ A Turnkey SolutionYou get immediate access to the EU market — no delays, no registration hurdles.

✔ Legal AccountabilityThe AR assumes legal responsibility for your product’s compliance, labeling, and technical documentation.

✔ Saves Time & MoneyAvoid costly setup of your own EU entity. Skip long negotiations with distributors or importers. You can start in just a few days.

✔ Integrated ServicesA good consulting firm offers far more than just AR registration. Additional services may include:

• Product safety assessments and formula adaptation (for cosmetics and chemicals)

• Product registration or declaration under EU law

• Label and packaging review

• Translation and localization of documentation

• Monitoring of legislative changes to ensure continued compliance

  
  

🧩 How to Choose a Trusted AR Consulting Company

✅ Confirm their legal registration and presence in the EU

✅ Ask about their experience with your product category (e.g. cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals)

✅ Ensure they offer related services such as product notification, document preparation, safety reports

✅ Look for transparent pricing and contractual guarantees.

✅ Final Takeaway:

Minimize Risk — Maximize Market Access

Getting your product into the EU isn’t just about good quality.

It’s about smart regulatory strategy.

💡 That’s why more and more global manufacturers are choosing to work with consulting firms that offer full Authorised Representative services in the EU.

With the right partner, you’ll:

• Save time and money

• Ensure full legal compliance

• Enter the market faster — and stay in it longer

Ready to bring your product to the EU?

Eurotechstandard Conformity Assessment Body is your trusted compliance partner for cosmetics, chemicals, and more.

We offer registered EU representation, full support, and turnkey solutions tailored to global exporters.

📩 Contact us today — and start selling in the EU within days, not months.