European Union: Commission Presents Consumer Product Safety Review
December 2007 (07B-170)
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A stocktaking review on the strengths and weaknesses of the consumer product safety mechanisms currently in place in Europe has been published. The review was undertaken by Meglena Kuneva, European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, after a series of high profile recalls in early September.
In addition to findings on the current situation, the review provides recommendations for further action. Commissioner Kuneva, who is committed to keeping the momentum and focus on product safety, plans to report back in Spring 2008 on progress made. A summary of the review follows. |
Results of the Stocktaking Review
1. Economic Operators: The first legal responsibility to put safe toys on the market lies with industry. Effective follow-up action has been taken by industry for recent recalls, but the constant stream of RAPEX notifications show there are still significant problems within the industry in making sure, particularly at the lower end of the market, that toys are safe. Priority areas for action include:
 An in-depth audit of business safety measures in the toy supply chain
(completion first quarter 2008).
Industry education and training on EU toy safety standards for Chinese
partners and other markets, as well as work to improve recall success rates.
A series of concrete measures to be agreed in 2008 involving manufacturers,
retailers, importers - a "safety pact" - to rebuild consumer confidence.
2. Member States' Actions: Member State surveillance authorities have generally been vigilant and accompanied positively and effectively the “voluntary” recalls. Priority areas for action include a series of specific measures to reinforce risk based surveillance by national market surveillance and customs authorities - including a targeted measure by the Commission requiring appropriate warnings about the dangers of magnets in toys.
3. International Cooperation – China and the US: The analysis of the RAPEX-China report showed that the Chinese administration has made a significant effort with respect to RAPEX enforcement actions. Increasing cooperation with China and the US will remain a priority.
4. Regulatory Framework – Priority Actions include:
Revision of the Toy Directive – proposals first quarter 2008.
Adoption of the New Approach Package to improve market surveillance and custom's surveillance.
 Additional Resources
Meglena Kuneva, EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection, "Outcome of stocktaking review on consumer product safety" Press conference speaking points http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/07/741&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Press Release: Toy safety: Commission presents Consumer Product Safety Review and welcomes "considerable progress" from China http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/1746&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Q&As: Commission's Stocktaking on Consumer Product Safety controls, with a specific focus on toys http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/492&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
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