EU Authorized Representative Service
for non-EU manufacturers
The new Market Surveillance Regulation 2019/1020 came into effect in the EU on July 16, 2021. It stipulates, among other things, that products may only be marketed in the EU if there is an economic operator established in the EU who is able to present any and all information and documents pertaining to compliance with the relevant provisions to the authorities upon request. This is precisely the service that we at Tradavo Compliance provide for your company, i.e., we provide the address of our company registered in Germany, and we act as point of contact for authorities within the EU.
Details of the procedure
We check your product portfolio for compliance with the provisions applicable in the EU
If necessary, we help you to eliminate any deficiencies identified in regard to such compliance
You get the address of our German company, which you can then affix to your products / packaging
The importation into the EU can now be effected by way of indirect customs representation
What is important when importing into the EU?
Your products are imported from third countries by way of the so-called indirect customs representation. This method of importation has various advantages both for you as the seller and for us as your EU authorized representative. Probably the most important advantage for you: You are and remain the owner of the goods to be imported at all times! The title to the goods is not transferred to us, even temporarily, for the purpose of customs clearance at any time during the import process. Furthermore, your company name is the only name indicated on the corresponding import documents, e.g., the bill of lading, giving you full control over the import at all times, while any and all issues regarding taxes and customs duties are provided for and legally incontestable.
As mentioned above, we are not directly involved in the import process as such, which is why we have taken a strong and reliable partner for this purpose: UNICON Logistics
If you import your products with the help of our long-term partner UNICON Logistics, you can be sure that your goods are in good hands, and that the import process is executed quickly, properly, and incontestably. Do you want to know more about indirect customs representation or importation in general? Just contact one of the staff of UNICON Logistics listed below and give them our regards. They are looking forward to hearing from you.
What kind of fee can I expect to be charged?
*The final fee depends on the complexity of the respective product and the number of products (volume discount).
Authorization
Annual fee for the use of our business address-
German business address
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Unlimited import volume
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Title to the goods remains with the seller
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Assumption of communications with authorities
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Contractually secured under German law
**The final annual fee depends on the risk assessment, the number of products and the annual import volume.
Elimination of deficiencies
Price per product (laboratory fees not included)-
Review of instructions and artwork
***The final fee depends on the complexity of the respective product, the scope of the deficiencies that need to be addressed, and the number of products (volume discount).
Frequently asked questions of our clients
Why is it important for my products to comply with market requirements for the European Union?
Since we and our company are, in a way, also responsible for your products, we accept the role of EU authorized representative only for compliant products. This reduces the risk not only for us, but, more importantly, for you as well. If, for example, your product is ever investigated by a market surveillance authority, you will be well prepared and able to produce all the necessary documents. This way, you can avoid - sometimes very high - fines and/or the destruction of your goods.
How does the compliance check of my products work?
For the initial compliance check of your products, you need to provide all the relevant documents to us. This includes the packaging design, instructions, test reports from laboratories and the like. As a matter of course, we can conclude a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) prior to our collaboration, ensuring that all the information shared remains confidential.
What happens if my products do not comply with EU market requirements?
If the compliance check reveals any deficiencies regarding the compliance of your products, we can fix them with you in the second step. In the best case, all you have to do is to change your packaging design or do the statutory laboratory tests. In the latter case, you will even benefit from the special prices we negotiated with our partner laboratories. Since we have no economic interest whatsoever in such laboratory tests, you can be sure that we will always focus on the most cost-efficient solution.
Does the authorization apply only in Germany or in every EU country?
If you use our business address, we will act as your authorized representative for your products within the entire European Union, and represent you in the case of inquiries of authorities.
Do I still need an EU authorized representative even if my manufacturer is located in the EU?
Yes, if your company is registered in a third country, you need an EU authorized representative to sell physical products within the European Union. However, having your products produced in the EU has great advantages, e.g., regarding the import because you do not have to declare and pay customs duties on the goods.
What are the exact requirements for the product and packaging labeling?
Once the contract has been signed, you can affix the address of our company to the sales packaging of your products in addition to your own company’s address. It is important that both customers and authorities can immediately identify which is the manufacturer and which is the authorized representative. The exact design is explained in detail in the contract.
Do I actually get a German business address for my packaging?
Yes. Even though the registered office of our Product Compliance Service is located in the Republic of Cyprus (the founders of Tradavo have been living on the Mediterranean island for years), we founded a German subsidiary for our EU authorized representative service, which means that you do not have to worry about possible loss of trust on the part of your customers. Furthermore, inquiries from authorities can be delivered and processed by us more quickly this way.
What happens in the case of an inquiry from an authority, e.g., a market surveillance authority?
If customs and / or an authority objects to one of your products, e.g., when it is imported into a European country, we will, of course, take care of the entire communications. Whenever our company’s address is indicated, we are always the first point of contact for European authorities. Our communications are always closely coordinated with you, allowing you to stay up to date at all times.
How can I be sure that Tradavo fulfills their duties as my authorized representative?
No need to worry. Prior to our collaboration, we conclude a contract under German law that clearly defines our duties as EU authorized representative, among other things. Consequently, you can be absolutely certain that we will not let you down in the case of an inquiry from an authority.
Do I have to use UNICON Logistics for my imports from a third country?
No, you are not obligated to import your goods using UNICON Logistics if you commission us as your EU authorized representative. In principle, you are always free to choose your logistics service provider. However, based on our many years’ experience as an e-commerce seller, we can highly recommend UNICON Logistics for your imports. If you still choose to collaborate with another logistics service provider, it is important that they are able to use indirect customs representation for such imports.
How can we assist you and your business?
If you have any more questions, or you are interested in a collaboration with us, please contact us, either by e-mail to service@tradavo.eu, by telephone at +49-177-633-034-0, or by clicking on the button below to schedule an initial consultation via Zoom free of charge. We are looking forward to getting to know your company and your product portfolio.
