What Constitutes an Economic Operator

For the attention of:
All involved in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in
the UK Economic operators in the UK market supplying PPE must comply with the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Economic Operators are defined in the Regulation Article 3 (8) as meaning …the manufacturer, the authorised representative, the importer and the distributor (of PPE).

It has come to our notice that there is confusion as to what constitutes an
economic operator and therefore the potential lack of clarity as to who must comply with the stated obligations and responsibilities.
For the avoidance of doubt any company or person who supplies any amount of PPE for either consumption or to a 3rd party or into the supply chain must comply with the obligations and responsibilities in the Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

This includes but is not necessarily limited to

  • Manufacturers
  • Importers
  • Distributors
  • Wholesalers
  • Retailers
  • Internet Sellers
  • PPE services providers such as companies who supply & launder PPE
  • Companies who sell PPE regardless of whether it is a core product or not eg. Tool Suppliers – Paint and Auto Aftercare Suppliers etc
  • Companies who are involved in supplying PPE which has been “drop –
    shipped” by a 3rd party For companies who feel they need further support and guidance on
    complying with the requirements of the Regulation please feel free to
    visit www.bsif.co.uk