Tools

Consumers deserve safe products, whether they purchase them online or offline. In recent years, the surge of products entering the EU, especially from third-country online marketplaces, has led to the growing circulation of unsafe, counterfeit or non-compliant products. This endangers consumers and exposes compliant European businesses to unfair competition.

EU policymakers should reinforce consumer products’ market placement rules and update market surveillance and products’ compliance through the upcoming European Product Act (EPA). This checklist sums up our key recommendations.

Biotechnologies like vaccines, gene-therapies, or alcoholic fermentation in bread to enhance flavours are increasingly shaping Europe’s health and food systems, directly affecting patients and consumers. Innovation and competitiveness matter but must never compromise safety or public trust. Simplification must ensure rigorous risk assessment, and respect for the precautionary principle. Transparency and clear safeguards are essential to ensure innovation serves the public interest.

BEUC's recommendations for a stronger, modern REACH (EU chemical legislation) that places the needs of people and our planet centre stage.