The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

Manufacturers U.K.

Design and manufacture in accordance with safety objectives U.K.

4.  Before placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must ensure that it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the principal elements of the safety objectives.

Technical documentation and conformity assessment U.K.

5.  Before placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must—

(a) draw up the technical documentation; and

(b) carry out the conformity assessment procedure set out in Schedule 2 or have it carried out.

[F1 Declaration ] of conformity and [F2 UK] marking E+W+S

6.—(1) Where the conformity of electrical equipment with the principal elements of the safety objectives has been demonstrated by the conformity assessment procedure set out in Schedule 2, a manufacturer must, before placing that electrical equipment on the market—

(a) draw up a declaration of conformity in accordance with regulation 38 (F3 ... declaration of conformity); and

(b) affix the [F4 UK] marking in accordance with regulation 39 ([F4 UK] marking).

(2) The manufacturer must keep the F5 ... declaration of conformity up to date.

[F6 (3) Where electrical equipment is subject to more than one enactment requiring a declaration of conformity to be drawn up, the manufacturer must draw up a single declaration of conformity which identifies each enactment by its title.]

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in reg. 6 heading substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(a)(i) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F2 Word in reg. 6 heading substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(a)(ii) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Word in reg. 6(1)(a) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(b) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F4 Word in reg. 6(1)(b) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(c) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F5 Word in reg. 6(2) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(b) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F6 Reg. 6(3) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 4(d) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

EU declaration of conformity and CE marking N.I.

6.—(1) Where the conformity of electrical equipment with the principal elements of the safety objectives has been demonstrated by the conformity assessment procedure set out in Schedule 2, a manufacturer must, before placing that electrical equipment on the market—

(a) draw up a declaration of conformity in accordance with regulation 38 (EU declaration of conformity); and

(b) affix the CE marking in accordance with regulation 39 (CE marking).

(2) The manufacturer must keep the EU declaration of conformity up to date.

(3) Where electrical equipment is subject to more than one [F13 NI Protocol obligation] requiring a declaration of conformity to be drawn up, the manufacturer must draw up a single declaration of conformity which—

(a) identifies the [F14 relevant] EU instruments; and

(b) includes references to the publication of those EU instruments in the Official Journal.

[F15 (4) In paragraph (3) “NI Protocol obligation” means any obligation created or arising by or under the Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland in the EU withdrawal agreement, whether or not an obligation to which section 7A(2) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 applies.]

Extent Information

E5 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in reg. 6(3) substituted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 11 para. 3(1)(a)(i)

F14 Word in reg. 6(3)(a) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 11 para. 3(1)(a)(ii)

F15 Reg. 6(4) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 11 para. 3(1)(b)

Retention of technical documentation and [F7 EU] declaration of conformity U.K.

7.  A manufacturer must keep the technical documentation and the [F8 EU] declaration of conformity drawn up in respect of electrical equipment and make them available for inspection by the market surveillance authority for a period of 10 years beginning on the day on which the electrical equipment is placed on the market.

Textual Amendments

F7 Word in reg. 7 heading omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 5 (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Word in reg. 7 omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 5 (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Labelling of electrical equipment U.K.

8.—(1) Before placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must—

(a) ensure that it bears a type, batch or serial number or other element allowing its identification; and

(b) ensure that it is marked with—

(i) the name, registered trade name or registered trade mark of the manufacturer; and

(ii) a single postal address at which the manufacturer can be contacted.

(2) Where it is not possible for information specified in 1(a) or (b) to be indicated on the electrical equipment, the manufacturer must ensure that the information is indicated on its packaging or in a document accompanying the electrical equipment.

(3) The contact details referred to in paragraph (1)(b) must be in a language easily understood by end-users and market surveillance authorities.

(4) The information referred to in paragraph (1) must be indicated in a form that is clear, understandable and intelligible.

[F9 Instructions and safety information E+W+S

9.   When placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must ensure that it is accompanied by instructions and safety information that are clear, legible and in easily understandable English.]

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F9 Reg. 9 substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 6 (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Instructions and safety information N.I.

9.—(1) When placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must ensure that it is accompanied by instructions and safety information in a language which can be easily understood by consumers and other end-users.

(2) Such instructions and safety information must be clear, understandable and intelligible.

(3) Where the electrical equipment is placed on the market in [F16 Northern Ireland], the language referred to in paragraph (1) must be English.

Extent Information

E6 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in reg. 9(3) substituted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 11 para. 3(2)

Compliance procedures for series production E+W+S

10.—(1) A manufacturer of electrical equipment which is manufactured by series production must ensure that procedures are in place to ensure that any electrical equipment so manufactured will be in conformity with Part 2.

(2) In doing so, the manufacturer must take adequate account of—

(a) any changes in electrical equipment design or characteristics; and

(b) any change in a [F10 designated] standard or in another technical specification by reference to which the F11 ... declaration of conformity was drawn up.

Extent Information

E3 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F10 Word in reg. 10(2)(b) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 7(a) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F11 Word in reg. 10(2)(b) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 7(b) (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Compliance procedures for series production N.I.

10.—(1) A manufacturer of electrical equipment which is manufactured by series production must ensure that procedures are in place to ensure that any electrical equipment so manufactured will be in conformity with Part 2.

(2) In doing so, the manufacturer must take adequate account of—

(a) any changes in electrical equipment design or characteristics; and

(b) any change in a harmonised standard or in another technical specification by reference to which the EU declaration of conformity was drawn up.

Extent Information

E7 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Monitoring U.K.

11.—(1) When appropriate, with regard to the risks to the health and safety of consumers presented by electrical equipment, the manufacturer must—

(a) carry out sample testing of electrical equipment made available on the market;

(b) investigate complaints that electrical equipment is not in conformity with Part 2;

(c) keep a register of—

(i) complaints that electrical equipment is not in conformity with Part 2;

(ii) electrical equipment which is found not to be in conformity with Part 2; and

(iii) electrical equipment recalls; and

(d) keep distributors informed of any monitoring carried out under this regulation.

(2) The manufacturer must keep an entry made in the register for a period of at least 10 years beginning on the day on which the obligation to make the entry arose.

Duty to take action in respect of electrical equipment placed on the market which is considered not to be in conformity E+W+S

12.—(1) A manufacturer who considers, or has reason to believe, that electrical equipment which that manufacturer has placed on the market is not in conformity with Part 2 must immediately take the corrective measures necessary to—

(a) bring the electrical equipment into conformity;

(b) withdraw the electrical equipment; or

(c) recall the electrical equipment.

(2) Where the electrical equipment presents a risk, the manufacturer must immediately inform the market surveillance authority F12 ... of the risk, giving details of—

(a) the respect in which the electrical equipment is considered not to be in conformity with Part 2; and

(b) any corrective measures taken.

Extent Information

E4 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in reg. 12(2) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 23 para. 8 (with Sch. 23 para. 30) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Duty to take action in respect of electrical equipment placed on the market which is considered not to be in conformity N.I.

12.—(1) A manufacturer who considers, or has reason to believe, that electrical equipment which that manufacturer has placed on the market is not in conformity with Part 2 must immediately take the corrective measures necessary to—

(a) bring the electrical equipment into conformity;

(b) withdraw the electrical equipment; or

(c) recall the electrical equipment.

(2) Where the electrical equipment presents a risk, the manufacturer must immediately inform the market surveillance authority and the competent national authorities of any other [F17 relevant state] in which the manufacturer made the electrical equipment available on the market, of the risk, giving details of—

(a) the respect in which the electrical equipment is considered not to be in conformity with Part 2; and

(b) any corrective measures taken.

Extent Information

E8 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in reg. 12(2) substituted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 11 para. 3(3)

Provision of information and cooperation U.K.

13.—(1) Following a request from an enforcing authority, and within such period as the authority may specify, a manufacturer must provide the authority with all the information and documentation necessary to demonstrate that the electrical equipment is in conformity with Part 2.

(2) A request referred to in paragraph (1)—

(a) may only be made during the period of 10 years beginning on the day the equipment was placed on the market; and

(b) must be accompanied by the reasons for making the request.

(3) The information and documentation referred to in paragraph (1)—

(a) may be provided electronically; and

(b) must be in a language which can be easily understood by the enforcing authority.

(4) A manufacturer must, at the request of the enforcing authority, cooperate with that authority on any action taken to—

(a) evaluate electrical equipment in accordance with regulation 44 (evaluation of electrical equipment presenting a risk); or

(b) eliminate the risks posed by electrical equipment which the manufacturer has placed on the market.