Stronger EU Product Safety Rules Enters Into Force

On June 12, 2023, the General Product Safety Regulation (“GPSR/ the Regulation”) has entered into force. These rules aim to tackle significant shifts in society that have impacted the safety of consumer products over the last twenty years, including the rise of digitalization, novel technological advancements, and interconnected supply networks. This updated framework guarantees that consumers are provided with solely secure products, regardless of their source or whether they are purchased in physical stores or through online platforms.

The Regulation establishes an effective safeguard for consumers, addressing the safety of products and risks that are not covered by other EU laws, particularly by:

• Critical factors like the dynamic characteristics of a product or its interconnectedness are taken into account when evaluating the safety of consumer goods;
• Enhancing the requisites for ensuring product safety in the context of both online and offline sales;
• Implementing distinct product safety criteria for online marketplaces in order to safeguard consumers against hazardous products offered through such platforms;
• Expanding the requirement for all non-harmonized products imported into the EU to designate an economic operator within the EU who will assume responsibility for product safety matters;
• Equipping national authorities with essential resources, thereby strengthening their enforcement capabilities;
• Ensuring efficient product recalls by requiring direct communication with consumers and implementing standardized recall notifications.

You can access the full text of the press release here.

Kind regards,

Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr