Guide for the implementation of product regulations ("Blue Guide")

The latest version of the Blue Guide for the implementation of product legislation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in 2016. This guide applies to non-food and non-agricultural products, which are referred to as industrial products regardless of whether they are intended for consumer or professional use. The guide aims to contribute to a better understanding of Union (EU) product legislation/harmonisation legislation and its application in the different sectors.

This guide covers Union legislation in the following areas:

• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
• Directive 2014/30/EU on electromagnetic compatibility
• Directive 2014/34/EU on equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
• Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
• Directive 2014/68/EU on the making available on the market of pressure equipment
• etc.

The following legislation is not covered in this guide:

• the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC
• the Union legislation on motor vehicles, construction products, REACH and chemicals.

The "Blue Guide" is constantly being adapted and updated. Work is currently underway on a new version of the guide to adapt it to the requirements of the new Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and conformity of products and to the digital age. The entire Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and conformity of products will apply from 16 July 2021. In the new Regulation, the "fulfilment service provider" is redefined as an economic operator, alongside the existing economic operators of manufacturer, authorised representative, importer and distributor.
A new edition of the Blue Guide will most likely be published in summer 2021.

We will of course be happy to keep you up to date and inform you promptly!