Keeping consumers safe from dangerous products - How to make the General Product Safety Regulation a useful tool to ensure product safety

Consumers legitimately expect all products to be safe and compliant with legislation and standards, no matter if they buy clothes, home appliances, IT equipment, toys or childcare products, and regardless of whether they purchase these online or in traditional shops.

However, safety checks performed by consumer organisations, market surveillance authorities and business alike show that many dangerous goods continue to be available on the market. And the problematic products uncovered might only be the tip of the iceberg as many escape the safety net.

We call for urgent action to be taken to keep consumers safe and confident about shopping in the Single Market. To address challenges posed by the emergence of new market realities and sales channels (e.g., online marketplaces and increased international e-commerce) and new technologies (e.g., connected devices), the revision of the General Product Safety Directive is indispensable.