What role does the Authorised Representative play in CE and UKCA marking

CE Marking:
* EU-based Contact: An Authorised Representative (AR) serves as the point of contact for EU National Authorities (NA), responsible for market surveillance and investigating non-compliance issues[5].
* Compliance: The AR ensures and declares a product’s compliance with essential requirements[1]. They also ensure the manufacturer's compliance with the conformity assessment procedure set out in the European directives which apply to the manufacture's product[7].
* Documentation: The AR prepares and signs the EU Declaration of Conformity and keeps technical documentation available for market surveillance authorities[1][3]. They must keep EU declaration of conformity or declaration of performance and technical documentation for at least 5 years[3].
* Communication: The AR communicates with market surveillance authorities regarding potential product risks and assists with accident reports, notifications, and product recalls[3].
* Mandatory for Non-EU Manufacturers: From July 16, 2021, manufacturers outside the EU who export products with CE marking must designate an Authorised Representative within the EU[3]. The name and address of the Authorised Representative must be on the product label, packaging, or instructions[1][3].

UKCA Marking:
* GB-based Contact: An authorised representative (AR) is an individual or company who is established in the United Kingdom and is appointed by a manufacturer[4].
* Responsibilities: The AR can affix the UKCA marking, draw up and sign the UK Declaration of Conformity, and cooperate with market surveillance authorities[4].
* Written Mandate: The delegation of tasks from the manufacturer to the AR must be explicit and set out in writing[4].
* Continued Manufacturer Responsibility: The manufacturer remains responsible for the proper performance of any tasks delegated to the AR[4].
* Not Recognized in the EU: GB-established authorised representatives are not recognised in the EU[4].
* Importer Obligations: If an AR is also an importer or distributor, they must also fulfill the obligations of those economic operators under the legislation[4].

The specific tasks of an Authorised Representative may vary depending on the legislation and the type of product involved[1].