How does it work, what is useful and important to know?
Businesses exporting to the EU market are challenged by the fact that EU consumer product
safety requirements are not contained in a single law but governed by several closely
interrelated components. This complexity arises from the fact that the system is not only about
protecting European consumers from dangerous products, it is also about facilitating the free
movement of goods within the EU single market. In addition, many institutional responsibilities
are not centralised but rest with the authorities of the 27 EU Member States.
Objective
The objective of this module is to provide a concise overview of the relationship between laws
and standards, the approach to conformity, the consumer perspective, the key institutions who
are maintaining the overall system and the responsibilities of businesses in the system.
Learning outcomes
Through attending this module, participants will gain a better understanding of:
- The EU legal framework on product safety in relation to consumer protection and
product quality and its relevance to Chinese manufacturers. - The use of various EU standards related to product safety and their relevance to Chinese
manufacturers. - The roles and responsibilities of the EU Member States, market surveillance authorities and
the implications for the exporting businesses. - What measures does the Chinese government take to regulate exporters?
- The mechanisms, how dangerous products in the market are identified.
- The responsibility of economic operators to ensure product safety
Tags, sub-topics, combination with other modules
Basic principles, legal framework, harmonised standards, general product safety, consumer
protection, market surveillance
This module can be used stand-alone or as an introductory module in combination with
other modules or elements of other modules.
