Putting into service

“Putting into service” of a product refers to its first use for its intended purpose by an end-user. 

For example, when a plumber installs a new combi boiler in a residential property, connects it to the heating system, and ensures it functions properly, the combi boiler is considered put into service.  

Putting into service occurs simultaneously or after making a product available on the market resp. placing on the market. 

Compliance with EU legislation is only required at the time of placement on the market. I.e. products that were placed on the market and compliant to the legislation valid at that time can still be sold or installed by dealers or installers even if the legislation meanwhile has changed. This could be the case, e.g. if a product is sold by the supplier to a dealer or installer but sold and installed for an end-user at a later stage. However, if explicitly specified in EU legislation, member states can prohibit the putting into service of products that were compliant when placing on the market.