What the General Product Safety Directive covers
On 22 July 2006, the European Commission published the list of standards under Directive 2001/95/EC (the General Product Safety Directive), replacing all previously published official standard lists. The standards are drawn up by the European standardisation organisations at the direction of the European Commission and cover products including sports equipment, children’s clothing, dummies (soothers), lighters, bicycles and furniture such as folding beds.
Under the General Product Safety Directive, producers are responsible for ensuring that the products they place on the market are safe. This requirement applies to all products sold on the market or otherwise supplied to consumers. The competent authorities, or the courts in case of dispute, must determine whether a product is safe on the basis of factors including the characteristics of the product — its composition, packaging, assembly, installation and maintenance instructions, its appearance, its labelling, any warnings or instructions on use and disposal, and any other information or data such as producer details — and the categories of consumer who may be placed at risk by the product, such as children or the elderly.
Producers must ensure that the products they supply and sell on the market are safe, for example by providing information and warnings. Where a product may present a risk, the producer must take appropriate action, such as withdrawing the product from the market, giving consumers adequate or effective warning, or recalling the product from consumers.
Applicable regulation
- General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC
Products covered
The EU-published standards cover the following products: