Compliance for Guitar Makers: What You Actually Need to Know

So, you’re a small, independent guitar maker, and you’re wondering—what’s currently the deal with all these EU directives and regulations? Which ones apply to you? What should you be doing to meet them? Maybe you’re a new business just starting out in the industry, or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro but need to brush up on your knowledge?

Well, here’s the deal: Yes, there are EU directives and UK regulations that you legally need to comply with. And yes, they apply to you whether you build one guitar or a thousand. That’s probably the bad news. The good news? With a little guidance, compliance is totally achievable—and for small builders like us, the requirements aren’t as overwhelming as they first seem.

If you’ve ever tried reading these directives yourself and straight to jail, without passing go just for looking at them—don’t worry, you’re not alone. Or maybe you’ve sought expert advice and are still sitting there, scratching your head at all the legal jargon?

Designed to cut through the noise, this guide gets straight to the point—outlining what you should be doing (without drowning you in unnecessary detail).

So, cutting to the chase, there are three main directives/regulations that are definitely applicable (assuming you are making either acoustic guitars or passive electric guitars):

TOOLKIT CONTENTS

  • MSG001 – Compliance, UKCA and CE Marking
    MSG002 – The WEEE Directive / Regulations
    MSG003 – The RoHS Directive / Regulations
    MSG004 – The GPSD and GPSR
    MSG005 – GDPR
    MSG006 – CITES

  • MSG007 – Recommended Resources and Contacts
    MST001 – Risk Assessment Example / Template
    MST002 – Technical File Template
    MST003 – Master Parts List Template
    MST004 – Product Datasheet Template
    MST005 – Original Product Instructions Template
    MST006 – Product Tracking Database Template
    MST007 – Product Labelling Template
    MST008 – RoHS Declaration Template
    MST009 – GPSR Declaration Template
    MST010 – WEEE Producers Statement Template
    MST011 – GDPR and Privacy Policy Template

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in the material listed above and found on the website is intended solely for general guidance on product compliance matters and should not be construed as official or legal advice under any circumstances. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information, it may not reflect the most current legal or regulatory developments and may not be appropriate for your specific product. For specific advice tailored to your particular circumstances, please consult a qualified product compliance expert and legal professional. By accessing this website and using the information provided, you acknowledge and agree to this legal disclaimer. You understand that reliance on the information offered is at your own risk, and we disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this guidance. The use of the materials provided does not establish a solicitor-client relationship or similar under any circumstances.