Selling products with a CE symbol in the EU

[stephenmorgan]

Anyone familiar with Selling products with a CE symbol into the European Union?

I basically sell toys from 20 to 50 years old and many are in their original packages.  Toys are on the list but many items I have will not have the CE Symbol on them.  Not sure when it started but I do see the CE Symbol on toys from 20 years ago.

Wondering if the rules will apply to everything or just items manufactured after a certain date?  Is it for manufactures of product or will it apply to anyone selling items on the list?

It reads like I will have to quit selling to the EU because I will not be able to be in compliance.  Maybe it only applies to certain value or number of items?

Has there been any discussion on this other than the eBay announcement?

[slippinjimmy]

From what I can glean from the eBay info plus some other sources. Products which do NOT carry a CE Symbol and in no way affected by this policy.

It is ONLY about products which do carry the CE Symbol.

Even for those the situation in most cases isn't affected because the manufacturers are already in compliance or certainly will be in compliance.

There would be the grey area of what happens with old stock made by now defunct companies that could be a bit messy.

[stephenmorgan]

I got two things out of all I read.  First is a really bad headache and second is if a Puzzle is over 500 pieces then the toy regulations of CE do not apply.  Anyway it is a bit complicated for me.  Hopefully eBay will put together something simple to understand and have one button that will block the EU Countries.

I have toys Made in England up thru the mid 80's so I am not expecting CE on any of those.  So I guess I could not even import them back into England?  But is England part of the EU or did they drop out? 

[pjcdn2005]

When I read the announcement  I get the same impression as @slippinjimmy  

It doesn’t say that the products can’t be imported if they don’t have that symbol, just that items with that rating must have specific info in order to be cleared through customs without extra delays.

The UK isn’t part of the Eu now although it is possible that they still follow some of the same rules as the UK.

[baldwinbabe00]

I also sell used toys and collectibles.  The eBay rep I spoke to today seems to think these regulations will only apply to those who are exporting goods in bulk for resale.  They do not believe it will apply to those from the EU that are importing goods for personal use...although I can't quote them on it.   Hopefully they will update us and give us a little more clarity well before the time comes.  I don't love the idea of risking it on my dime.  

[stephenmorgan]

That would be great.  I hope it works out like this.  Things will be much simpler.   

[baldwinbabe00]

Just to follow up, it appears that eBay reps are incorrect.   A discussion with an EU compliance rep has indicated that the new CE requirements in the EU apply to any individual,  or  business outside of the EU shipping to any business,  or individual located inside the EU.  There is no exceptions for used toys, or toys imported for personal use, even if it is just one toy, there must be documentation identifying the economic operator representing the product in the EU, and package or paperwork with toy must have the CE logo, or it could potentially be confiscated by customs.   If anyone can find any information that contradicts this, pleae post a link.  I would love to see it, as this will be a deep hit for our business.  

[stephenmorgan]

Here is a article that explain the CE and Economic Operator requirements in some detail.  

https://instrktiv.com/en/authorised-representative/

Does not mention anything about eBay but does mention Amazon.

The best I understand all the information I have read is that as a Individual I will not be able to meet the requirements so I will not be able to sell my 20 to 50 year old items to the EU nations.  I have not found anything that says there is an exemption for a Individual selling or giving as gifts their items to anyone in the EU without meeting the requirements. 

I guess I will no longer be able to offer International Sales.  Too bad as nearly 1/3rd of my items go to the EU.  

I received a response from eBay a few days ago.  Their response is to send me back to their  Help Pages that I have already read, so it did not help.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Seller-Tools/How-do-you-get-a-answers-from-eBay-about-new-requirement-...

[baldwinbabe00 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the links.  It looks like there is no reasonable way around it for us either.  I don't think we can stop a buyer from using a freight forwarding service they select.  A buyer that chooses to use a forwarding service loses buyer protection once it shows delivered, so we as sellers would not be held responsible in that circumstance should the package end up getting confiscated.  I do, however, believe that if the seller chooses to use eBay's Global Shipping Program for freight forwarding, eBay would put the responsibility back on the seller.