Trade Inspection is challenging my product compliance- how do I defend myself in proceedings and limit my risk?

Client

Operator of a discount store chain with a wide non-food assortment

The situation

Growing EU regulatory requirements on product safety, labelling and packaging mean that companies offering broad product portfolios, particularly in the non-food sector — are increasingly exposed to proceedings initiated by inspection authorities: the Trade Inspection, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), or customs authorities. A product compliance issue can lead to a market withdrawal order, a fine, or a ban on placing products on the market. An operator of a discount store chain operating across Europe faced a wave of regulatory proceedings concerning the compliance, labelling, packaging and safety of its products.

Our role

We advise the client on an ongoing basis on product regulatory compliance: product composition and its eligibility to be placed on the EU market, labelling, packaging and recall procedures for non-compliant products. We represent the client in proceedings initiated by the Trade Inspection and UOKiK concerning the eligibility of products to be offered on the market. Our advisory covers both defence in ongoing proceedings and the proactive development of compliance verification systems, so that the potential risks are prevented upfront.

The result

This is an example of an area in which product compliance has ceased to be a matter of one-off audits, it requires ongoing, continuous legal advice synchronised with the dynamics of the product portfolio and the pace of regulatory change in the EU.

Has an inspection authority challenged your products or their labelling? We can help with the proceedings and build a prevention system for the future.