ProduktSicherheitsbewertung

ProduktSicherheit, or product safety, is the discipline concerned with ensuring that products placed on the market do not present unreasonable risks to health or safety. It covers all stages of a product’s life cycle, from initial design and materials selection to manufacturing, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life disposal. Core activities include hazard identification, risk assessment, implementation of risk controls, and verification through testing and conformity assessment. A safe-by-design approach seeks to minimize hazards at the source through design choices, materials, and clear user instructions.

Regulatory frameworks for product safety vary by jurisdiction but share common goals. In the European Union, the General Product Safety Directive requires that consumer products be safe, with market surveillance and enforcement by national authorities; many products must comply with harmonized standards and bear conformity markings such as CE. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees safety standards, recalls, and enforcement for consumer products, often relying on mandatory or voluntary standards. Other regions maintain certification schemes, labeling requirements, and safety testing programs, such as CCC in China, and country-specific requirements after Brexit like UKCA marking. International standards bodies such as ISO and IEC develop safety-related standards. Sector-specific standards are common, for example EN 71 for toys or IEC/UL standards for electronics.

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors share responsibility for safety, including proper labeling, adequate instructions, traceability, and post-market vigilance. When safety issues are identified, recalls, corrective actions, and transparent information are essential to protect consumers and maintain trust. Global commerce and online platforms have heightened the need for robust safety governance across supply chains.