Compliance Glossary

A

Accredited Laboratory

A testing laboratory formally recognised as competent to conduct specific tests, usually to ISO/IEC 17025. Amazon and most compliance frameworks require test reports from accredited labs. Accreditation in the UK is granted by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).

Amazon Compliance Request

A notification from Amazon requiring a seller to provide documentation proving a product meets applicable safety regulations. Typically requests test reports from ISO 17025 accredited labs, a Declaration of Conformity, product images showing required markings, and supplier invoices. Failure to respond within the stated deadline results in listing suppression.

Approved Body (UK)

A UK-based conformity assessment body designated by the Secretary of State to carry out third-party assessment tasks under UK product safety regulations. The UK equivalent of an EU Notified Body. Approved Bodies are accredited by UKAS and listed on the UK Government’s database of designated bodies.

ASIN

Amazon Standard Identification Number. A unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned to every product listing on Amazon. Compliance requests, listing suppressions, and enforcement actions are all referenced by ASIN.

Authorised Representative

A person or business established in a specific market (UK or EU) who is appointed by a manufacturer based outside that market to act on their behalf for compliance obligations. An EU Authorised Representative is required for non-EU manufacturers selling into the EU; a UK Responsible Person fulfils a similar role for Great Britain.

B

BSI (British Standards Institution)

The UK’s national standards body. BSI publishes UK adopted standards (BS EN series) and, since Brexit, manages the designation of UK standards independently of European standardisation bodies CEN and CENELEC.

Buy Box

The featured offer section on an Amazon product detail page where customers can add items to their cart. Sellers with suppressed or non-compliant listings lose Buy Box eligibility, directly reducing sales and wasting any active PPC spend on that ASIN.

C

CE Marking

Conformité Européenne. The mandatory product safety mark for regulated products placed on the EU market. Demonstrates that a product meets the essential requirements of all applicable EU Directives. CE marking is not valid for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) sales — UKCA is required there instead.

CEN / CENELEC

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). These bodies develop the harmonised standards (EN standards) that provide a presumption of conformity with EU Directives. The UK participates as an affiliate member post-Brexit.

Conformity Assessment

The process by which a manufacturer demonstrates that a product meets the requirements of applicable regulations. May be conducted internally (self-declaration) or by a third party (Notified Body or Approved Body) depending on the product type and risk level.

CPR (Construction Products Regulation)

EU Regulation 305/2011 (retained in UK law). Applies to products incorporated permanently in construction works, including cables, fixings, fire-resistant materials, and structural components. Requires a Declaration of Performance and, in the EU, CE marking based on harmonised product standards.

D

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

A formal written statement signed by the manufacturer or their authorised representative declaring that a product meets all applicable regulatory requirements. The DoC must reference the product, the applicable legislation (UK statutory instruments or EU Directives), the standards used, and the signatory’s details. It is a legal document and must be kept for at least 10 years.

Declaration of Performance (DoP)

A document required under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) that states the performance of a construction product against its essential characteristics. Similar in concept to a Declaration of Conformity but specific to the CPR framework.

Designated Standard

The UK equivalent of a harmonised standard. A technical standard published in the UK Official Journal that, when met, provides a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of UK regulations. Managed by BSI (British Standards Institution) following Brexit.

Directive (EU)

An EU legislative act that sets out goals member states must achieve but allows national flexibility in how they do so. Product safety Directives such as the Low Voltage Directive and the Toy Safety Directive define essential requirements that products must meet to be legally sold in the EU Single Market.

Distributor

Any person or business in the supply chain, other than the manufacturer or importer, who makes a product available on the market. Distributors must verify that the product carries the required markings, that the DoC and user instructions are available, and must not supply products they know to be non-compliant.

E

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

The ability of electrical equipment to operate satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable disturbances to that environment. EMC compliance has two components: emissions (the product does not interfere with other equipment) and immunity (the product functions correctly when exposed to interference).

EN Standard

A European Standard published by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI. EN standards referenced in the Official Journal of the EU become harmonised standards, granting a presumption of conformity. In the UK, adopted EN standards are published as BS EN and may be cited as designated standards.

ErP (Energy-related Products)

Regulations covering the energy performance of products that use, generate, transfer, or measure energy. The UK ErP Regulations set minimum energy efficiency requirements and may require energy labelling. Affects lighting, heating, appliances, motors, and other energy-consuming products.

Essential Requirements

The mandatory safety, health, or performance requirements that a product must meet under a given regulation or Directive. Harmonised standards provide a way to demonstrate compliance with essential requirements, but manufacturers can use other technical means to show conformity.

ETSI

European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Produces harmonised standards for radio equipment and telecommunications products, underpinning compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). ETSI standards are referenced as EN 300 and EN 301 series.

F

FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon)

Amazon’s logistics service where sellers send inventory to Amazon warehouses for storage, picking, packing, and shipping. Products stored in FBA are subject to Amazon’s compliance checks and can be disposed of or returned at the seller’s cost if found non-compliant.

Full Quality Assurance (Module H)

A conformity assessment module requiring the manufacturer to operate a quality management system (typically ISO 9001) covering design, production, and testing, with ongoing surveillance by a Notified Body or Approved Body. Used for higher-risk product categories.

G

GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)

EU Regulation 2023/988 replacing the General Product Safety Directive from December 2024. Requires all consumer products sold in the EU to be safe and introduces new obligations around online marketplace traceability, product recalls, and economic operator responsibilities. The UK retains its own General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which are separate legislation.

GS Mark

Geprüfte Sicherheit (Tested Safety). A voluntary German product safety mark that goes beyond CE marking requirements. While not legally required, GS certification is widely recognised across Europe and can strengthen a product’s market position, particularly in Germany and Austria.

H

Harmonised Standard

A European technical standard (EN standard) developed by a European Standards Organisation and referenced in the Official Journal of the EU. Products manufactured in compliance with harmonised standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the applicable EU Directive. The UK equivalent is a designated standard.

I

Importer

Any person or business established in the UK or EU that places a product from a third country onto the market. Importers have specific legal obligations under product safety regulations, including verifying the manufacturer has carried out conformity assessment, that the technical file exists, and that the product is correctly marked.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

A two-digit code (e.g. IP44, IP67) defined by IEC 60529 indicating the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects and water. The first digit rates protection against solids (0–6), the second against liquids (0–9). Relevant to products marketed with water-resistance or dust-resistance claims, which must be supported by accredited test evidence.

ISO 17025

The international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Test reports used to demonstrate product compliance are generally required to come from ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Amazon specifically requires ISO 17025 accreditation for labs issuing test reports submitted in response to compliance requests.

L

Listing Suppression

The removal of a product listing from Amazon’s search results and catalogue, making it unavailable for purchase. Suppression is typically triggered by a failed compliance review, missing documentation, or an unresolved compliance request. Suppressed ASINs continue to incur FBA storage fees while generating zero revenue.

LVD (Low Voltage Directive)

EU Directive 2014/35/EU (implemented in Great Britain as the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016). Covers the safety of electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating between 50–1000V AC or 75–1500V DC. Requires a Technical File, Declaration of Conformity, and CE or UKCA marking as appropriate.

M

Machinery Regulation

EU Directive 2006/42/EC (UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008), being replaced by EU Regulation 2023/1230 from January 2027. Applies to machines, interchangeable equipment, safety components, and partly completed machinery. Requires risk assessment, a Technical File, and a DoC before the product can be placed on the market.

Market Surveillance Authority (MSA)

A government body responsible for monitoring and enforcing product safety regulations in the market. In the UK, this includes the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Trading Standards. MSAs have the power to require product recalls, prohibit sales, and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Module A (Self-Declaration)

The conformity assessment route under which the manufacturer conducts internal checks against applicable requirements and self-declares conformity without involvement from a third-party body. Module A is permitted for many lower-risk product categories under LVD and EMC but is not available for higher-risk products such as certain PPE or medical devices.

Module B + C (EU-Type Examination)

A two-stage conformity assessment route. Module B involves a Notified Body examining a sample of the product against technical requirements and issuing an EU-Type Examination Certificate. Module C then requires the manufacturer to ensure ongoing production conforms to the approved type. Used for higher-risk products where self-declaration is not sufficient.

N

NANDO

New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations. The European Commission’s database listing all Notified Bodies and their scope of designation. Used to verify whether a body is authorised to conduct conformity assessment for a specific Directive and product category.

Notified Body

A third-party organisation designated by an EU member state to conduct conformity assessment activities for specific product categories and Directives. Where third-party assessment is required (Module B, C, etc.), only a Notified Body can issue the required certificates. UK Approved Bodies are the equivalent for Great Britain and are no longer recognised as Notified Bodies in the EU.

O

OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards)

The UK Government body responsible for product safety policy and national market surveillance. Part of the Department for Business and Trade. OPSS enforces product safety regulations, manages product recalls, and provides guidance to businesses on compliance obligations. It also oversees the UK’s framework for Approved Bodies.

P

Placing on the Market

The first time a product is made available on a given market (UK or EU) for distribution or use, whether by sale, free supply, or any other means. This is the point at which most product safety obligations — including marking, documentation, and traceability requirements — must be fully met.

PPE Regulation

EU Regulation 2016/425 (UK Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2022). Covers products designed to be worn or held to protect against health and safety risks. PPE is divided into three risk categories, with Category III (highest risk, e.g. fall protection, respiratory equipment) requiring Notified Body or Approved Body involvement.

Presumption of Conformity

The legal principle that a product tested and found to meet a harmonised or designated standard is presumed to satisfy the essential requirements of the corresponding regulation. This does not guarantee compliance — market surveillance authorities can still challenge a product — but it provides strong legal standing and simplifies the conformity assessment process.

Product Recall

A measure requiring the return of a product that has already been made available to end users. Recalls are ordered by market surveillance authorities when a product presents a serious risk to health or safety. Recalls are published on the OPSS product recall database in the UK and on the Safety Gate (RAPEX) system in the EU.

R

REACH

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. EU Regulation 1907/2006 (and its UK equivalent, UK REACH) controls the use of hazardous substances in products. Relevant to manufacturers using restricted substances in product components, particularly plastics, coatings, and electronic assemblies.

RED (Radio Equipment Directive)

EU Directive 2014/53/EU (UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017). Applies to products that intentionally transmit or receive radio waves — including WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular devices. RED encompasses radio spectrum efficiency, safety, and EMC requirements specific to radio equipment.

Responsible Person (UK)

Under UK product safety regulations, a UK-established manufacturer, importer, or authorised representative who takes on legal responsibility for a product's compliance with UK regulations. The Responsible Person must be identifiable on the product or its packaging. Required by Amazon UK for products imported from outside Great Britain.

Risk Assessment

A systematic process of identifying hazards associated with a product, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining whether risk has been reduced to an acceptable level. A documented risk assessment is a core component of the Technical File and is required under virtually all product safety regulations.

RoHS

Restriction of Hazardous Substances. EU Directive 2011/65/EU (UK RoHS Regulations 2012). Restricts the use of specific hazardous materials (including lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants) in electrical and electronic equipment. Applies to a very broad range of products and is enforced alongside WEEE obligations.

S

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A standardised document providing information on the properties of a chemical substance or mixture, its hazards, and guidance on safe handling, storage, and disposal. Required under REACH and CLP Regulations when supplying hazardous substances. Not the same as a Declaration of Conformity — an SDS covers chemical safety, not product regulatory compliance.

Safety Gate (RAPEX)

The EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. Member states use Safety Gate to notify the European Commission and each other about products posing a serious risk. Listings are publicly searchable and often lead to marketplace enforcement actions. The UK equivalent is the OPSS product recall database.

Section 28 Notice

A formal notice served under Section 28 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 by Trading Standards officers requiring a business to provide information or documents relating to a product’s safety or compliance. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.

Statutory Instrument (SI)

A form of UK secondary legislation used to implement detailed rules under powers granted by an Act of Parliament. Most UK product safety regulations — including the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations, the Toys (Safety) Regulations, and the Radio Equipment Regulations — are Statutory Instruments. The UK DoC must reference the relevant SI, not the EU Directive.

SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern)

A substance identified under REACH as having serious and often irreversible effects on human health or the environment. SVHCs include carcinogens, mutagens, and substances that are persistent and bioaccumulative. If a product contains an SVHC above 0.1% by weight, the supplier must provide sufficient information to allow safe use.

T

Technical File

The collection of documentation a manufacturer must compile and retain to demonstrate that a product meets the requirements of applicable regulations. Typically includes: product description and intended use, design drawings and schematics, list of standards applied, risk assessment, test reports, Declaration of Conformity, and any Notified Body certificates. Must be available to market surveillance authorities on request.

Toy Safety Directive

EU Directive 2009/48/EC (UK Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011). Sets essential safety requirements for products designed or intended for use in play by children under 14. Covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical content, electrical properties, and hygiene. One of the most frequently enforced Directives on Amazon.

Traceability

The ability to identify every economic operator in a product’s supply chain and trace the product through all stages of distribution. Required by most product safety regulations and enforced by Amazon through requirements for manufacturer name and address, batch or serial numbers, and importer details on product packaging.

Type Examination (Module B)

A conformity assessment procedure where a Notified Body examines and tests a representative sample of the finished product to verify it meets the essential requirements. Required for higher-risk product categories where self-declaration is not permitted.

U

UKCA Marking

UK Conformity Assessed. The product safety mark required for regulated products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Introduced post-Brexit as the UK equivalent of CE marking. Requires a UK Declaration of Conformity referencing UK legislation and, where third-party assessment is needed, a UK Approved Body.

UKAS

United Kingdom Accreditation Service. The national accreditation body for the UK, appointed by the government. UKAS accredits testing laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies against international standards including ISO 17025. Accreditation by UKAS is recognised internationally under mutual recognition agreements.

UKNI Marking

A mark used alongside CE marking for products placed on the Northern Ireland market that require third-party conformity assessment carried out by a UK Approved Body. Products assessed by an EU Notified Body can continue to use CE marking alone in Northern Ireland. The UKNI mark cannot be used on its own and is never valid for the GB market.

W

WEEE

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. UK WEEE Regulations 2013 (and EU Directive 2012/19/EU). Requires producers and importers of electrical products to register with an approved compliance scheme and fund the collection and recycling of waste equipment. Amazon requires WEEE registration details for applicable product listings.