Manufacturer

The manufacturer is responsible for designing and manufacturing a product with a view to placing it on the market under its sole name. The manufacturer becomes the MCERTS certificate holder listed on the certificate and has responsibility for compliance with the MCERTS performance standards and regulations. A manufacturer may also be any body that assembles, packs, processes, imports or labels ready-made products with a view to them being placed on the market under its sole name. The manufacturer is listed on the certificate as having responsibility for compliance with the MCERTS performance standards and regulations.

Own-Brand Labeller (OBL)

An OBL is a body that wishes to place a manufacturer’s previously certified MCERTS product on the market under its own name i.e., not the name of the original manufacturer. The OBL should apply for another MCERTS certificate in its own name and in so doing assumes the same responsibilities as the manufacturer, for products that bear the OBL name.

To avoid doubt, it is the OBL who takes full responsibility for compliance with the relevant MCERTS performance standard even though it may simply receive and distribute products already badged in the name of the OBL.

Other Distribution Partners

A distributors name may appear on the product. It must be in addition and subordinate to that of the Manufacturer or OBL (MCERTS certificate holder) and never alone. A distributor cannot apply for an MCERTS certificate. However, they may follow the procedure to become an OBL with the permission of the MCERTS certificate holder.