Traceability Requirements

Traceability Requirements refer to the mandatory protocols that ensure a specific piece of machinery can be identified and linked back to its manufacturer and responsible supply chain partners. For North American exporters, this goes beyond a simple serial number; it is a legal safeguard for the EU market. Every machine must bear a type plate displaying the manufacturer’s name, registered trade name, and address, alongside unique identification like a batch or serial number.

Crucially, EU legislation now places heavy emphasis on the entire supply chain. If you are outside the EU, your labeling must often include the details of the Importer or EU Authorized Representative. This ensures that Trading Standards or other surveillance authorities have a direct point of contact within the Union if a safety issue arises.

Traceability also extends to documentation. The specific machine identification on the product must match the details on the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and the Technical File. Without this clear link, customs officials can block shipments, viewing the equipment as having an unverified origin or compliance status.