diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 364b43a..0e17c9a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -7,3 +7,15 @@ These dataplanes can interact with
 via the `Dataplane Signaling API`.
 
 For information on how to use the SDK, check out the [getting started guide](./docs/getting-started.md).
+
+## Important Notice
+
+This is an **SDK** — it provides building blocks and abstractions to help you implement a data plane, but it is **not a final product** and is **not production-ready**.
+
+Key responsibilities left to the implementor:
+
+- **Authentication and authorization**: the SDK does not enforce any auth mechanism. You are expected to implement token validation, access control, and any other security checks appropriate for your deployment.
+- **Production hardening**: error handling, observability, and operational concerns are not covered out of the box.
+- **Deployment configuration**: TLS, network policies, and infrastructure setup are outside the scope of this SDK.
+
+Use this SDK as a foundation and build the necessary production-grade concerns on top of it.