The Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016

CHAPTER 3 U.K. OBLIGATIONS OF DISTRIBUTORS

Introductory U.K.

26.  This Chapter applies in relation to the making available on the market or the putting into use of a regulated measuring instrument by a distributor.

Distributors – duty to act with due care U.K.

27.  Before making the regulated measuring instrument available on the market or putting it into use, the distributor must act with due care in relation to the requirements of these Regulations.

Distributors – verification obligations U.K.

28.—(1) The distributor must verify that the regulated measuring instrument bears the CE marking and the M marking.

(2) The distributor must verify that the regulated measuring instrument is accompanied by—

(a) a copy of the EU declaration of conformity relating to it; and

(b) information on the operation of the instrument including where relevant the following—

(i) rated operating conditions;

(ii) mechanical and electromagnetic environment classes;

(iii) the upper and lower temperature limit, whether condensation is possible or not, open and closed location

(iv) instructions for installation, maintenance, repairs, permissible adjustments;

(v) instructions for correct operation and any special conditions of use; and

(vi) conditions for compatibility with interfaces, sub-assemblies or measuring instruments.

(3) Paragraph (2) (b) does not apply where the simplicity of the regulated measuring instrument makes the supply of the information referred to in that paragraph unnecessary.

(4) Instructions and information supplied in accordance with this regulation must be in a language that can be easily understood by end-users and where those end users are in the United Kingdom must be in English.

(5) The distributor must verify that the manufacturer and the importer have complied with the requirements set out in regulation 10 (manufacturers' obligations in relation to the marking of regulated measuring instruments with serial numbers etc.), regulation 11 (manufacturers to mark contact details on regulated measuring instruments where possible) and regulation 19 (requirements to mark importers' details on regulated measuring instruments).

Distributors not to make non-conforming regulated measuring instruments available on the market etc. U.K.

29.—(1) This regulation applies where a distributor considers, or has reason to believe, that a regulated measuring instrument is not in conformity with the essential requirements.

(2) Where this regulation applies, the distributor must not make the regulated measuring instrument available on the market or put it into use until it has been brought into conformity.

(3) Where the regulated measuring instrument presents a risk, the distributor must immediately inform—

(a) the manufacturer;

(b) the importer (where the distributor is not also the manufacturer or importer); and

(c) the market surveillance authorities,

to that effect, giving details, in particular, of the non-compliance of the instrument and of the corrective measures taken by that distributor.

Duty of distributors to ensure proper conditions of storage and transport U.K.

30.  A distributor must, in respect of regulated measuring instruments under that distributor's responsibility, ensure that the conditions of their storage or transport are not such as to jeopardise their continuing compliance with the essential requirements.

Action to be taken by distributors where regulated measuring instruments placed on the market by them are not in conformity with essential requirements U.K.

31.—(1) This regulation applies where a distributor considers, or has reason to believe, that a regulated measuring instrument placed on the market or put into use by that distributor is not in conformity with the requirements of these Regulations.

(2) The distributor must immediately take the corrective measures necessary to bring the regulated measuring instrument into conformity, or withdraw or recall it, if appropriate.

(3) Where the regulated measuring instrument presents a risk, the distributor must immediately inform the competent authority to that effect, giving details, in particular, of the non-compliance of the instrument and of the corrective measures taken by that distributor.

Provision of information to the competent authority U.K.

32.—(1) The distributor must, further to a reasoned request from a competent authority, provide that authority with all the information and documentation in paper or electronic form necessary to demonstrate the conformity of the regulated measuring instrument with the requirements of these Regulations.

(2) Information and documentation supplied to a competent authority pursuant to this regulation must be supplied in English.

(3) A distributor must co-operate with a competent authority, at its request, as regards any action to eliminate the risks posed by any regulated measuring instrument that the distributor has placed on the market.