On Wednesday 25 November, the European Parliament broadly adopted (688 votes in favour, 8 against and 1 abstention) the own-initiative report by Marion Walsmann (EPP, Germany) calling on the European Commission to step up the fight against dangerous products and services, particularly those sold online (see EUROPE 12590/7).
“Existing product safety rules have to be made fit for the digital age, since products with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence embedded in them challenge these rules”, said Commissioner Walsmann. She added: “However, innovation should not be held back by red tape”.
In particular, the report stresses that all products circulating in the EU, whether manufactured within the EU or imported, must comply with safety rules. For example, products that pose a safety risk or incorporate dangerous chemicals or unsafe software must be effectively withdrawn from the EU market, MEPs say.
While urging online platforms and markets to take proactive measures to combat misleading practices, MEPs call for a review of relevant legislation, such as the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95) and the Machinery Directive (2006/42), to adapt it to the digitisation of products.
Finally, it should be noted that two amendments tabled by left-wing groups in Parliament and aimed at insisting on respect for the precautionary principle were rejected. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)