As the Law on Consumer Rights Protection says, products intended for sale in retail trade must have a certificate of compliance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor. But, according to the same law, obtaining an expert opinion is a purely voluntary matter, but they get it in special centers. Why is this procedure necessary? Is it necessary to carry out it or can it be dispensed with?
The question, of course, is interesting. On the one hand, no one requires anything, but only offer. On the other hand, if the product goes to the shelves, and then to the consumer, it must meet the declared characteristics and be safe for human health. And this means that the certificate is to be.
An expert opinion can be obtained in the research laboratories of Rospotrebnadzor, where they will analyze for compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements. It is very important for meat and dairy products, food for young children. For enterprises, a certificate is necessary in order to participate in tenders for the supply of products to budgetary organizations.
An expert opinion is also obtained for imported goods. Having a conclusion is a prerequisite for gaining access to the Russian market. And if it is possible not to receive it for domestic enterprises, then the importer must in any case certify such goods: food, cosmetics, household chemicals, clothes and shoes. In general, everything that is imported into the country. For our exporters, the same rules apply (if they import goods to another country).
In order for an entrepreneur to receive an expert opinion, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application for voluntary certification of goods to the certification center. Attach to it a document on registration of a legal entity, a product sample, technical justification (if it is an imported product, then a certificate from relevant foreign authorities). Next, the entrepreneur pays a receipt for the services of an expert and after a certain time receives a certificate of conformity. This document is issued on letterhead, which has several degrees of protection. It will contain all the necessary information about the product. The certificate is an official and very important document. The original is kept by the manufacturer or seller, the buyer has the right to demand a copy.
True, we live in a wonderful country. Sometimes (even in the presence of all supporting documents) the purchased product may be very far from the declared quality. What can ordinary citizens who are faced with a similar situation and want to achieve justice do? Or maybe they are not so small. Each consumer who is not satisfied with the quality of products or services can order an expert opinion. He must pay for this research himself. It will cost from 3,500 to 7,000 rubles (depending on what kind of examination will be carried out). It can be ordered both in the laboratories of Rospotrebnadzor and in independent
laboratories (laboratories must have a license for this type of activity). With the results, you can write a complaint to the consumer protection authorities or sue. In the course of this whole matter, it is important to keep receipts and checks (if the consumer wins the court, then all the expenses will be borne by the negligent businessman, but the amount of expenses must be proved).
Now you know what a certificate of compliance is and why you need it!