Product Safety and Consumer Confidence

Published: 16 November 2007

Policies & Issues: Internal Market - Compliance, Standards & Enforcement

Consumer safety is not a matter of choice, but a mandatory legal requirement in existing EU health and safety legislation.  Consumer confidence in product safety can only result from the legitimate expectation that safety, whether promoted or not, is a reality.

The promotion of safety and other product qualities through brand names, collective marks or certification marks should remain a private and voluntary activity without public support.  Conversely, the effective drafting and efficient application of the internal market rules that contribute to consumer confidence are the responsibility of the Community regulator.

The simpler the legislative framework, the easier it will be for market operators to comply with it and the smoother it will be for public authorities to enforce it effectively.

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