S.L. 427.1 Art. 11Obligations of distributors.

(1) When making a vessel available on the market distributors shall act with due care in relation to the requirements of these regulations.

(2) Before making available on the market a vessel of which the product of PS × V exceeds 50 bar.L, distributors shall verify that the vessel bears the CE marking and the inscriptions provided for in point 1 of Schedule III, that it is accompanied by the required documents and by instructions and safety information referred to in point 2 of Schedule III in at least the Maltese or English language, and that the manufacturer and the importer have complied with the requirements set out in regulations 8(9) and 8(10) and regulation 10(5) respectively.

(3) Where a distributor considers or has reason to believe that a vessel of which the product of PS × V exceeds 50 bar.L is not in conformity with the essential safety requirements set out in Schedule I, he shall not make the vessel available on the market until it has been brought into conformity. Furthermore, where the vessel presents a risk, the distributor shall inform the manufacturer or the importer to that effect as well as the market surveillance authorities.

(4) Before making available on the market a vessel of which the product of PS × V is 50 bar.L or less, distributors shall verify that the vessel bears the inscriptions provided for in point 1.2 of Schedule III and is accompanied by the instructions and safety information referred to in point 2 of Schedule III in at least the Maltese or English language, and that the manufacturer and the importer have complied with the requirements set out in regulation 8(9) and regulation 8(10) and regulation 10(5) respectively.

(5) Distributors shall ensure that, while a vessel of which the product of PS × V exceeds 50 bar.L is under their responsibility, its storage or transport conditions do not jeopardise its compliance with the essential safety requirements set out in Schedule I.

(6) Distributors who consider or have reason to believe that a vessel which they have made available on the market is not in conformity with these regulations shall make sure that the corrective measures necessary to bring that vessel into conformity, to withdraw it or recall it, if appropriate, are taken. Furthermore, where the vessel presents a risk, distributors shall immediately inform the Technical Regulations Division to that effect, giving details, in particular, of the non-compliance and of any corrective measures taken.

(7) Distributors shall, further to a reasoned request from the Technical Regulations Division, provide it with all the information and documentation in paper or electronic form necessary to demonstrate the conformity of a vessel. They shall cooperate with the Technical Regulations Divisions, at its request, on any action taken to eliminate the risks posed by vessels which they have made available on the market.