The general product safety directive 2001/95/EC contains safety requirements for all consumer products placed on the market in European Union countries. However, unlike other European legal regulations, this directive is not a CE marking regulation.
A very common misconception about products offered to consumers in European Union countries is that CE marking is a safety mark and all products must bear the CE mark. In fact, safety often forms part of CE marking requirements, but not all directives and regulations have safety requirements. In addition, not all products have to bear the CE mark. Only products defined in CE marking directives or regulations (25 products) are included in this scope. The general product safety directive focuses on ensuring the safety of products that are not covered by the CE marking. This directive sets the safety requirements for all consumer products placed on the market.
Placing the product on the market is the only action required to demonstrate that the product has been evaluated and complies with general safety requirements. The key point regarding the scope of the general product safety directive is that it focuses solely on consumer products, but this also includes products under conditions acceptable and foreseeable by consumers, even if they were not designed for them.
In order to comply with the general product safety directive, the manufacturer has to make and document an assessment covering the risks and risk categories associated with the product. The recommended method for such an assessment is the application of voluntary European harmonized standards. However, complying with European Commission regulations and good practice product safety rules are other options.
The directive in question is purely self-assessment with no obligation to involve a third party. While no third party is involved, this can always be done.
At a basic level, a product safety and compliance program should include a review process, a conformity verification process, and risk assessment with protective measures to reduce risk.
Our organization, among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations it provides for businesses in various sectors, also offers the necessary testing services under the 2001/95/EC general product safety directive, thanks to its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
