About: product safety

Fidget spinners named on EU danger list

Despite becoming a common sight on playgrounds around the world and even in the workplace, fidget spinners have been included on an EU list of dangerous products, as toys ended up posing the most risk in 2017.

Brussels ramps up protection from hazardous products

The European Commission has moved to reduce the number of hazardous products entering the EU market with new regulatory proposals.

Fewer dangerous products hitting EU markets

Fewer dangerous goods are finding their way onto EU shelves, Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli said yesterday (12 May), presenting the European Commission’s annual report on product safety in Brussels. But consumer groups disagreed and said more effort was needed to improve market surveillance. 

More dangerous goods withdrawn from EU shelves

EU product safety standards are continuing to improve, Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said yesterday (20 April), presenting a report which showed that record numbers of dangerous goods were withdrawn from European shelves last year, mostly of Chinese origin.

Toy safety given EU boost ahead of festive period

The European Union has adopted legislation to improve toy safety throughout the bloc ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period. But consumer groups accused the EU institutions of "lacking the ambition" to tighten safety requirements still further.

EU, US and China up product safety cooperation

Officials yesterday (17 November) agreed to enhance cooperation on consumer product and food safety issues at a tripartite summit in Brussels. The meeting came after a series of public scares involving Chinese toys and tainted milk marked trade relations between the three blocs. 

Commission says EU product safety ‘improving’

EU product safety standards are improving, according to Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, who presented the results of a Commission survey yesterday (17 April). But consumer organisations say much more can be done to improve the effectiveness of EU surveillance systems.

Commission proposes strict limits on chemicals in toys

New toy safety measures proposed by the Commission primarily aimed at banning toxic chemicals have received a cautious welcome from European consumer organisations amid fears that they do not ensure adequate protection for children.

International co-operation ‘a priority’ in EU toy safety review

Increasing EU co-operation with the US and China on toy safety is a priority, Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva announced yesterday (22 November), presenting plans to strengthen product safety across the Union.

Toy safety campaign launched in time for Christmas

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva has launched a new toy safety campaign in her native Bulgaria ahead of the festive period.

EU plans tougher toy-safety rules

Members of Parliament are demanding a new EU toy-safety label and stepped-up market surveillance, with sanctions for producers and importers that break the rules, following a scandal involving millions of Chinese-made products over the summer. The Commission has said that it will propose a Directive before Christmas. 

EU urges China to crack down on unsafe goods

China must take more aggressive action against companies exporting dangerous toys and appliances into the EU, said Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva during a five-day visit to Beijing.

EU, China co-operate on illegal trade

The Commission and China have adopted a series of tools to combat counterfeiting and the smuggling of illegal and unsafe products.

Increasing number of unsafe products on EU market

The number of unsafe products identified in the EU rose sharply in 2005. More than half of the serious risk notifications concerned toys and electrical appliances.

EU to ban lighters that are unsafe for children

Consumers' organisations welcome the Commission's decision banning the import and marketing of lighters that do not respect high standards of safety for children.

Commission publishes first list of hazardous products

The Commission has begun online posting of safety alerts received from Member States about dangerous non-food products.

EP and Council reach agreement on labelling of animal feed

The European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on 10 October after conciliation talks on new rules for labelling the ingredients of compound animal feed.

Product safety Directive adopted

The Directive on general product safety, approved by the Conciliation Committee, was adopted unanimously by the Parliament at the third reading, on 4 October. The aim of the legislation is to ensure high standards of consumer safety through strict monitoring of the market, clearly defined responsibility of manufacturers and distributors, and close cooperation between national authorities.

Council reaches agreement over product safety rules

The Council has reached an agreement to improve product safety and increase consumer protection.