The Directives prohibit "placing on the market" of products that are not compliant with the essential requirements of the Directives. There are somewhat divergent opinions on what "placing on the market" means, but importing a sample is generally not considered 'placing on the market".
Regardless of all that, in most countries it is frowned upon to operate a hazardous piece of equipment, whether or not it meets the national requirements. Ciao, Vic
