MEPs set to approve revamped EU product safety rules
The updated law aims to ensure that products in the EU, whether sold online or in traditional shops, comply with the highest safety requirements.
On Thursday, MEPs are set to adopt revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products. The new regulation aims to bring the existing General Product Safety Directive in line with the latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.
Market surveillance authorities will have greater powers and online marketplaces will have to comply with new obligations. Products can be sold on the single market only if there is an economic operator (such as the manufacturer, importer, distributor) established in the EU, who is responsible for its safety. If a product has to be recalled, consumers must be informed directly and offered a repair, replacement or refund. An option to launch collective actions is also guaranteed.
Background
The new rules are projected to save EU consumers around 1 billion euro in the first year and approximately 5.5 billion over the next decade. By reducing the number of unsafe products on the market, the new measures should reduce the harm caused to EU consumers due to preventable, product-related accidents (estimated today at 11.5 billion euro per year) and cost of healthcare (estimated at 6.7 billion euro per year).
Procedure Code: 2021/0170 (COD)
Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure
Debate: Wednesday, 29 March
Vote: Thursday, 30 March