Usable and Safe Operating Manuals for Consumer Goods

We would all like to believe there are products that require no explanation. However, in reality there are very few products or services that can be understood without additional documentation. Documentation is indispensable to use all the features of a product. Users are entitled to expect that they will be able to use all the features provided. European Union legislation specifies that a technical product is only complete when accompanied by an operating manual. Delivery or sale of a product without an operating manual or with an inadequate manual breaks the law. In this case, users are entitled to assistance. In addition, the distribution of technical products in the European Union requires a CE declaration of conformity. Without a complete and correct operating manual, this declaration is not valid. If there are problems as a result, the distributor must bear the consequences and costs. This publication was created with the support of the Commission of the European Communities.