Previously the PPE Directive focused on manufacturers placing products onto the market, but when the new Regulation becomes effective the whole supply chain will be involved. This means when the Regulation comes into force, importers, distributors or anyone involved in the supply and distribution chain should take appropriate measures to ensure that PPE meets standard requirements and that they make available on the market only products which comply with the Regulation.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1459532245916&uri=CELEX:32016R0425

Article 8 – Obligations of Manufacturers

Article 10 – Obligations of importers

Article 11 – Obligations of Distributors

http://www.bsigroup.com/Documents/BSI-PPE-Whitepaper-UK-EN.pdf

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2016/04/20/safety-kit-makers-welcome-tougher-import-laws/