EU Consumers
EU consumers may have different preferences when it comes to the colour or brand of products such as a new laptop or a toy for their children. At the same time, they expect all products on the market to be safe.
By affixing the CE marking to a product, the manufacturer assumes full responsibility for its compliance with all safety requirements. Unfortunately, due to counterfeiting or the misuse of CE marking, there is never a 100% guarantee that a product bearing the mark is safe.
The EU has strengthened the entire system, consisting of manufacturers, importers, distributors, notified bodies, and market surveillance authorities, through the New Legislative Framework. The new legislation aims to reduce burdens on trade while ensuring a high level of safety.
What can you do to improve the safety of products on the market?
Although most European manufacturers, importers, and distributors follow the rules, consumers can also play an important role in improving the safety of products:
- Always buy products from trustworthy shops and online outlets: If an offer seems too good to be true, it may well be. Trustworthy shops take care with the products they sell and usually accept returns. On the other hand, rogue traders tend to ignore health and safety rules, and may also sell fake products.
- Read all warnings and instructions: Be aware of age and safety recommendations, especially in the case of toys.
- Always report a safety problem: Inform the manufacturer or the retailer from whom you bought the product. In addition, contact the appropriate public authority. This ensures that further steps to ensure the safety of the product will be taken.
Contact information
For a consumer perspective on CE marking, please contact:
ANEC, the European consumer voice in standardisation
Avenue de Tervueren 32, Box 27
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium
Email: anec@anec.eu
www.anec.eu