Press Release: Safety first new laws for product recalls

European Union-wide rules applicable from 15 January 2004 are designed to improve the safety of consumer products.

The revised General Product Safety Directive (GSPD - 2001/95/EC), adopted in 2001 and entering into force on 15 January 2004 concerns safety controls of all consumer products (except food). It sets safety requirements for consumer products such as sports- and playground equipment, child care articles, lighters and most household products such as textiles and furniture. The Commission receives around 150 notifications of dangerous products annually, most often associated to risks of choking and suffocation, electric shocks and fires. The category of products more often notified is toys, followed by electric appliances and products.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/consumers/cons_safe/prod_safe/gpsd/guidance_gpsd_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/comm/consumers/cons_safe/prod_safe/gpsd/guidance_gpsd_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/consumers/cons_safe/prod_safe/gpsd/revisedGPSD_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/consumers/cons_safe/prod_safe/gpsd/revisedGPSD_en.htm

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