Distributor

Under RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU Article 3(14), a distributor is any natural or legal person in the supply chain (other than the manufacturer or importer) who makes EEE available on the EU market. Distributors have specific RoHS obligations under Article 11: verify that the EEE bears CE marking; check that the manufacturer and importer have fulfilled their documentation obligations; ensure the EEE is accompanied by the required documentation; and not place EEE on the market where they have reason to believe it is not compliant.

Directive 2011/65/EU, Articles 3(14) and 11.

Distributors are the last line of verification before products reach end consumers. While distributors do not perform conformity assessments, they must exercise due diligence by checking that CE marking is present and the required documentation (DoC, instructions) accompanies the product. Distributors must also cooperate with market surveillance authorities and may be held liable if they knowingly distribute non-compliant EEE. When a distributor modifies a product or places it on the market under its own brand, it assumes manufacturer obligations.