Many companies have to contend with product legislation on a daily basis. This mainly concerns requirements with regard to products or labelling of products in respect of safety, the environment and health. These stipulations derive from the Dutch Commodities decrees, Dutch Medical Devices Decree, Dutch Building Decree, et cetera. Is it allowed to claim that this product meets all essential requirements and therefore to affix CE marking? Is it allowed to claim that this product stimulate one’s bowel? Failure to comply with these requirements may place a business in serious legal difficulties.

It could not only be the case that a company has sold and supplied products that are in conflict with the agreement, it could also lead to product liability. Local authorities, such as the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the Labour Inspectorate and the Radio communications Agency can challenge the admission of these products to the market. Competitors could invoke misleading advertising.

Our office provides advice to manufacturers and importers about compliance with specific legislation and provides advice to purchasing agents how to handle when a product does not meet the legal requirements. We help them deal with questions of liability, disputes with local authorities and in case of misleading advertising. In this connection you may contact Marieke Coumans.