The lack of adequate consumer culture impedes the communication between the business and the consumers, which has negative consequences for both parties. Nowadays, most of the people have a relatively good general consumer culture and it continues to evolve spontaneously, along with the development of the market.

This paper is intended to familiarize you with the information, which is essential for the electric appliances and equipment, in particular: evaluation of the conformity of their quality with the relevant requirements for your own safety. Often, the consumers are not interested in what they are buying, rather how much does it cost. The authorized control authorities exercise the supervision over the incorrect merchants and manufacturers; however, with a view to the protection of the rights of the end consumer, you shall be aware of the basic rules of the essential requirements, marking and evaluation of the conformity. Being informed of these rules, you will be able to make the right decision of whether the electric appliance is safe for you, for your family or relatives. Remember that buying electric appliances (electric equipment) without the necessary marking and accompanying documents, you will have no guarantees as to their safety and the relevant liability of the merchant or the manufacturer upon potential damages.

Evaluation and Certification of the Conformity

Before launching on the market an appliance, the manufacturer shall apply the relevant procedures for evaluation of its conformity with the essential requirements.
At the manufacturer’s choice, the conformity of the appliances with the essential requirements may be evaluated through the application of the procedures, provided for by the Regulation of the essential requirements and evaluation of electric equipment, intended for use within specified voltage limits and by the Regulation of the essential requirements and evaluation of the conformity for electromagnetic compatibility, when the appliances fall into their scope, instead of the procedures, provided for in the regulation.
After evaluation of the conformity of the appliances pursuant to the procedures, applicable thereto, the manufacturer, its authorized representative or the person, responsible for their launching on the market, shall affix the conformity marking.
The conformity marking is affixed to the appliance or to its data plate, as well as to its packaging, if any, and to the accompanying documents.

Order and Manner of Marking Affixing

The conformity marking certifies that the products comply with the requirements, applicable thereto, and that they have undergone the relevant procedures for evaluation of the conformity.
When a given product is subject to the provisions of a number of regulations, each providing for the affixing of conformity marking, the marking shall certify the conformity of the product with the requirements of each of the regulations under article 7 of the Technical Requirements Towards Products Act.
The manufacturer, or other persons, when so provided for in the regulations, shall affix the conformity marking before launching the products on the market and/or putting them in operation.
The conformity marking consists of the initials “СО” – graphically represented as follows:

When the Republic of Bulgaria is a party to effective agreements for mutual recognition of the results of conformity evaluation and acceptance of industrial products, entered into with the European Communities and their Member States or the Member States of the European Economic Area / the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the conformity marking on the products, falling in the scope of these agreements, consists of the initials “СЕ” and is graphically represented, as follows:

As of the date of entry in effect of the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union, the conformity marking consists of the initials “СЕ” and is graphically represented as above indicated.

The specific marking warns the consumer of the possibility that the putting in operation of the device may be subject to restrictions. The manufacturer, its authorized representative or the person, launching on the market radio equipment with restrictions to its putting in operation, shall affix specific marking, before the launching of the radio equipment on the market. Further to the information of the purpose and method of their using, it shall supply the consumer with information of the type of the restriction, imposed upon its putting in operation.

The specific marking for identification of radio equipment with restrictions upon its putting in operation consists of an exclamation mark, placed in the center of a circle.
The specific marking is affixed to the radio equipment or to its data plate, if any, as well as to the accompanying documentation. If the size of the radio appliance prevents the affixing of the specific marking thereto, it shall be affixed to its packaging and to the accompanying documentation.

As of the date of entry in effect of the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union, the conformity marking of transportable pressure equipment, valves and other accessories, directly associated with their safety, consists of the initial “ѓ” and is graphically represented, as follows:

The conformity marking shall be at least 5 mm high, if the relevant regulation does not otherwise prescribe.
Next to the conformity marking, there shall be affixed the identification number of the person, who has obtained a permit to carry out conformity evaluation.
The identification number is affixed by the manufacturer or by its authorized representative. The conformity marking shall be visible, legible and easily accessible to the officials, exercising the supervision of the market, and to the consumers.
The products with affixed marking СЕ (СО) are accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity. By means of this declaration, the manufacturer certifies that they comply with the harmonized standards and meet the essential safety requirements of the directives. By means of this declaration, the manufacturer assumes the liability that the products are safe.

In conclusion:

Buying an electric appliance/device, the merchant is obliged to provide, and you, as a consumer, are entitled to require that the electric appliance is provided with:

1. indicated name and registered office of the persons (manufacturer and importer);
2. conformity marking and additional marking, when required;
3. declaration of conformity;
4. instructions and/or directions for use in Bulgarian.

Don’t forget to take your receipt/invoice, evidencing the realized sale, as well as the duly completed warranty certificate.