Expert opinion is voluntary-compulsory

As the Law "On the Protection of Consumers' Rights" 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, and receive it in special centers. Why is this procedure necessary, is it necessary to conduct it, or can we do without it?

The question, of course, is interesting. On the one hand, no one requires anything, but only offers. On the other hand, if the product hits the counters, and then the consumer, it must meet the declared characteristics and be safe for human health. And this means that the certificate - to be.

Expert conclusion can be obtained in research laboratories of Rospotrebnadzor, where they will make an analysis for compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements. This is very important for meat and dairy products, food for young children. For enterprises, a certificate is required in order to participate in tenders for the supply of products to budget organizations.

Expert opinion is also obtained for imported goods. The presence of an opinion is a prerequisite for obtaining access to the Russian market. And if it can not be received for domestic enterprises, the importer must in any case certify such goods: food, cosmetics, household chemicals, clothing and footwear. In general, everything that is imported into the country. For our exporters, the same rules apply (if they import goods into another country).

In order for an entrepreneur to obtain an expert opinion, it is necessary to submit to the certification center the relevant application for the voluntary certification of the goods. Attach to him a document on the registration of a legal entity, product sample, technical justification (if it is an imported product, then a certificate from the relevant foreign authorities). Further the businessman pays a receipt for services of the expert and after a certain time receives the certificate of conformity. This document is issued on a letterhead with several degrees of protection. It will indicate 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 request 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 such a situation and want to achieve justice do? And maybe they are not so little. Every consumer who is not satisfied with the quality of products or services can order an expert opinion. This research he must pay himself. It will cost from 3500 to 7000 rubles (depending on what kind of expertise will be conducted). It can be ordered both in laboratories of Rospotrebnadzor, and in independent laboratories (laboratories must have a license for this type of activity). With the results, you can write a claim to the bodies protecting the rights of the consumer or to sue. In the course of this whole business, it is important to keep receipts and checks (in case the consumer wins the court, all the expenses will be borne by the negligent entrepreneur, but the amount of expenses must be proved).

Now you know what a certificate is for compliance and why it is needed!