The Enterprise Europe Network informs
18.03.2024
The European rapid alert system for product safety, the so-called Safety Gate, continues to help ensure that defective products are reported and withdrawn from the market. This is shown in the European Commission's annual report on the Safety Gate from 2023, which refers to alerts and the reactions of national authorities. Cosmetics were at the top of the most frequently reported product categories, followed by toys, motor vehicles, electrical appliances and clothing.
Most important findings of the report
In 2023, authorities from the 30 countries participating in Safety Gate submitted 3,412 alerts and 4,287 follow-up actions. In each Member State, market surveillance authorities regularly followed up on alerts and exchanged additional information. For example, the Lithuanian authorities identified a body cream containing banned chemicals and entered an alert for the product in Safety Gate. Thanks to this notification, the Polish authorities were able to withdraw the product from the market and Slovenia was able to recall it from end users.
The most frequently reported risks in 2023 were risks related to chemicals, injuries and choking, and environmental risks. Cosmetics were at the top of the most frequently reported product categories, followed by toys, motor vehicles, electrical appliances and clothing. This can be explained by the fact that market surveillance authorities are increasingly monitoring cosmetic products and checking for banned hazardous chemical ingredients.
Next steps
In December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation will come into force and replace the General Product Safety Directive. From then on, a modernized future-proof framework will apply to ensure the safety of products on the EU market, regardless of the origin of the products and whether they are sold in stores or online.
The regulation will significantly improve the enforcement of product safety rules, facilitate market surveillance and standardize the recall of dangerous non-food products.
For more information and support in implementing the new product safety requirements, please contact our CE advisory team.
Source: European Commission
