Initial reactions from consumer organisations and the European Parliament to the Commission’s proposal to adapt the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) to the digital age have been mostly positive (see EUROPE 12752/2).
Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, Germany) said that “many of the European Parliament’s demands have been taken into account” (see EUROPE 12610/6). However, she considers the proposal to remove dangerous products up to five days after notification to be far too long for digital platforms.
MEPs will have the opportunity to debate this issue with Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders on 13 July.
According to Monique Goyens, Director General at The European Consumers Organisation (BEUC), the proposed General Product Safety Regulation is “a significant step” because it “recognises that the concept of ‘safety’ in 2021 must encompass ‘cybersecurity’”.
Other strengths of BEUC and ANEC (The European Consumer Voice in Standardisation) include: - The application of improved market monitoring rules to all products through increased powers for competent authorities and improved product traceability in the supply chain. - Strengthening the possibilities for international cooperation and cooperation with consumer organisations. - Maintaining the strengths of the current directive, which is based on the precautionary principle and can be used when sectoral legislation - such as the Toy Safety Directive - does not meet the new safety challenges.
According to them, the weaknesses include the role and responsibilities of online marketplaces in the supply chain.
In addition, Secretary-General of ANEC, Stephen Russell, would like clarification on whether the Commission is in favour of “ creating a pan-European accidents and injuries database to help identify where preventive measures - including European standards - are needed”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)