Product safety for resale returns
Returned goods do not lose their safety requirements. The company re-selling it must evaluate the product and the responsibilities of its model.
The purchase of a B2B batch and the subsequent sale to a customer are two different stages. EU Regulation 2023/988 covers new, used, repaired and refurbished products made available on the market. Therefore, the returned goods do not lose the safety requirements, markings and information provided to the buyer.
Separate commercial status from security
A product may look good but have a damaged cord, battery, or missing safety instructions. In turn, damaged packaging does not always mean a product defect.
Create rejection criteria for each category, especially electronics, toys, and powered devices.
- visual inspection
- test appropriate to the category
- completeness of warnings
- exclusion of risky products
Check the requirements for the category
Different products are subject to different requirements. The CE marking is only relevant for the categories covered by the relevant regulations and should not be considered as a general mark of quality.
If you cannot establish requirements, do not market the product to consumers without additional verification.
- product category
- markings and manufacturer
- safety instructions
- target market
Monitor threat intelligence
The European Commission maintains a Safety Gate with information on dangerous products. Model numbers and markings should allow you to check whether the product has been affected by a warning or recall.
If you detect a risk, segregate all associated inventory and review reporting obligations.
- model and batch number
- Safety Gate
- quarantine procedure
- corrective actions
Document the inspection
Record the test criteria, result, person performing it, and decision: sale, repair, parts, or recall. Documentation increases repeatability and makes it easier to respond to a complaint or safety signal.
The scope of control should correspond to the risk of the product and the method of further sale.
- date and ID
- test result
- warehouse decision
- activity history
Provide true information to the customer
The product description should correspond to its actual condition, completeness and tests performed. Do not present an untested product as working.
Obligations towards the consumer depend on the sales model and applicable law. Prepare your process with a lawyer or compliance specialist.
- actual condition
- test scope
- known deficiencies
- instructions and warnings
Compare available lots
Check the parameters of a specific lot.