CONSUMER LAW | EU Regulation on general product safety into force

Starting from 13 December 2024, the Regulation (EU) No. 2023/988 on general product safety (the Regulation) of 10 May 2023 will enter into force amending Regulation (EU) No. 1025/2012 and Directive (EU) 2020/1828, and repealing Directive 2001/95/EC, and will apply directly to all Member States without having to be transposed into national law. The Regulation introduces updated safety standards, particularly for online sales, aiming at enhancing consumer protection, standardizing safety rules and improving market surveillance. The Regulation applies to most consumer products, only excluding products like medicines, food, antiques, and aircraft, whose safety rules are dictated by specific regulations. Among others, the Regulation provides that manufacturers must conduct risk analyses and draw up technical documentation containing at least a general description of the product and its essential characteristics relevant for assessing its safety. Moreover, providers of online marketplaces must provide contact details of the manufacturer or party responsible for the product, its picture and all necessary warning and safety information, as well as register with the Safety Gate Portal and indicate there the information concerning their single contact point.

Newsletter n. 102 – December 2024