Who is responsible?
Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to be involved and make sure the right products and materials are used in the right way. Your place in the supply chain can also mean you have specific obligations or duties to check and assure that the right products and materials are used, and are used correctly. Depending on your place in the supply chain you can face specific risks and liabilities if products and materials are non-complying or non-conforming.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers need to be aware of the requirements of compliance and should be able to demonstrate that their goods comply with the NCC, standards and local laws. This can involve product and material testing, assurance and certification. Manufacturer statements should also clearly specify how a product should or should not be used. They should also be able to supply the necessary compliance and conformance information, including any limitations, for each product and material.
Importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers
Importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers must make sure that the products or materials being supplied do not breach trade or consumer laws or industry-specific requirements for safety or performance.
They should also be able to supply the conformance information including any limitations for each product and material. Some products or materials (such as consumer gas and electrical products) have specific requirements to demonstrate safety and suitability before they can be sold and may require independent testing and certification before being supplied.