RoleArt. 3(15)

Authorised representative

An authorised representative (AR) is a natural or legal person established within the European Union who has received a written mandate from a manufacturer to act on the manufacturer's behalf in relation to specified tasks under the CRA.

Key facts

Must be established within the European Union — a non-EU entity cannot act as an AR
Appointment is optional under the CRA, but practically essential for non-EU manufacturers placing products on the EU market
The mandate must grant at least three minimum statutory tasks: keep the EU DoC and technical documentation available for 10 years, provide conformity information on request, and cooperate with market surveillance authorities
Core design, development, and vulnerability-handling obligations cannot be delegated to the AR — they remain with the manufacturer
An importer or distributor can also hold an AR mandate for the same manufacturer, provided they are EU-established — the roles are legally distinct and their obligations do not merge

Key deadlines

11 December 2024 — CRA enters into force

The regulation is legally in effect. Products placed on the market from this date must comply with CRA once the application dates are reached.

11 September 2026 — Vulnerability reporting obligations apply

Article 14 vulnerability and incident reporting to ENISA becomes mandatory. This is the first hard deadline. Manufacturers must have their reporting processes in place before this date.

11 December 2027 — Full regulation applies

All CRA requirements apply to all in-scope products. No new products may be placed on the EU market that do not conform.

Obligations (1)

OBL-ART18-01Binding

Ensure any authorised representative mandate covers the minimum statutory tasks

A manufacturer may appoint an authorised representative (AR) by written mandate. The mandate must allow the AR to perform at least three minimum statutory tasks: keeping the EU DoC and technical documentation available to market surveillance for at least 10 years or the support period; providing conformity information on request; and cooperating with market surveillance on corrective measures. Core design and production obligations cannot be delegated to the AR.

Art. 18(1)Art. 18(2)Art. 18(3)

ManufacturerAuthorised representative

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