Regulation (EU) 2023/988 will replace the existing EU General Product Safety Directive and the existing EU Food Imitating Directive from 13 December 2024.
The new Regulation is here.
Changes –
(1) it’s an EU Regulation not an EU Directive – directly applicable in Member States (and EFTA countries)
(2) Precautionary principle to be widely applied by all stakeholders for product safety
(3) Specific product safety obligations for both economic operators and providers of online marketplaces
(4) Additional product traceability requirements
(5) List of aspects to be taken into account when assessing the safety of products, including for new technologies
(6) Accident reporting to authorities by businesses
(7) Reinforced market surveillance rules
(8) Specific rules on how to handle product safety recalls, including a mandatory recall notice template, and right to remedy for consumers
The existing EU General Product Safety Directive applies in Northern Ireland. The action to be taken by the UK Government (if any) on the matter is as yet unclear.
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