Negotiators from the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission are making slow but steady progress on the proposed June 2021 EU regulation on general product safety (the so-called ‘GSPR’) in the digital age, with the hope of concluding on 28 November.
The EU27 ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) were briefed on Wednesday 9 November on the outcome of the second inconclusive ‘trilogue’ held the day before (see EUROPE 13057/11) on this regulation, which aims to ensure that only safe products are made available on the internal market, irrespective of whether they are sold on online marketplaces or in shops, and from wherever they originate (from the EU or third countries), while taking into account the risks associated with new technologies (see EUROPE 12752/2).
The main progress that was made relates to EU action against products presenting a serious risk and the arbitration mechanism, upon which negotiators have come to an agreement. However, there will be no agreement on anything until an agreement can be reached on everything.
Progress has been made on the technical documentation to be provided by economic operators, but negotiations will continue at the technical level.
With regard to the obligations of economic operators in the event of an accident, the European Parliament has agreed in principle to the text by the Presidency of the EU Council, which is close to the European Commission’s proposal. However, work will also continue at the technical level to find the appropriate wording and to come to an agreement on the definition of an accident, taking into account the reservations of both parties.
No progress has been made on market surveillance inspections under a cover identity. There has been no progress on consumer redress either.
The issue of sanctions, which the European Parliament wishes to strengthen significantly (see EUROPE 12973/12), was not addressed.
“There is still hope a conclusion will be reached at the third trilogue” on 28 November, “but there is still work to be done”, commented a diplomatic source. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)