How is product compliance monitored? 

 

Member States of the European Union have appointed national authorities who are primarily responsible for market surveillance (surveillance authorities).

 

These are effectively "product police" and work closely with customs, which also play a large part in protecting you against dangerous imported goods.

 

The "product police's" purpose is to ensure products available on the market are safe and meet essential safety legislation. They also aim to ensure manufacturers are adhering to the rules. Where necessary, sanctions are placed on businesses and supply chains.

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What if a product is considered unsafe?

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If a toy product is found to be unsafe within the EU market, the surveillance authorities have the power to request removal of such products and all Member States are notified by means of a RAPEX system.

 

The RAPEX system is a rapid alert system that enables a quick exchange of information between 31 European countries and the European Commission about dangerous non-food products posing a risk to health and safety of consumers.

 

All the relevant details are submitted through this cooperation tool by national surveillance authorities.

 

The RAPEX system also enables rapid communication between the EU, EEA authorities about dangerous products enabling trace over the European Market. China and international institutions are also involved.