Do I need a Responsible Person? or an Authorized Representative?

You need a Responsible Person if you sell products in the EU and your manufacturing base is located outside the EU. An Authorized Representative is simply one of the legal entities that can step into that role.

The differences between the two terms under the GPSR:

• Responsible Person (Mandatory Role): Every non-EU product sold in the EU must have an assigned economic operator physically located in the EU to ensure safety. This is a mandatory requirement.
• Authorized Representative (An Option): This is a specific legal entity located in the EU whom you hire and formally appoint via a written mandate to act as your Responsible Person.

Who can fulfill the “Responsible Person” requirement?

If you are an offshore manufacturer, your mandatory EU Responsible Person must be one of the following:

• An Authorized Representative (established in the EU with a written mandate).
• An EU-based importer (if they import your products into the EU).
• An EU-based fulfillment service provider (if no importer or representative exists).