Produktsäkerhetsdirektivet

Produktsäkerhetsdirektivet, also known as the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), is a piece of European Union legislation aimed at ensuring that only safe products are placed on the EU market. It establishes general safety requirements for all consumer products that are not covered by specific EU legislation. The directive's primary goal is to protect consumers from risks associated with using products and to promote a high level of safety.

The directive applies to products intended for consumers, or products that could be used by consumers, even if they are not intended for them. This includes products sold within the EU, whether manufactured within the EU or imported from third countries. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors all have responsibilities under the directive. Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe before placing them on the market. Importers must ensure that the products they place on the market conform to safety requirements, acting as a link between manufacturers outside the EU and the EU market. Distributors must also act with due care to ensure that the products they make available on the market do not present a safety risk.

If a product is found to be dangerous, the directive provides for measures to be taken, such as withdrawing the product from the market, recalling it from consumers, or issuing warnings. Member states are responsible for implementing and enforcing the directive within their territories, establishing market surveillance mechanisms to monitor product safety and take appropriate action against non-compliant products. The GPSD is part of a broader EU framework for product safety, aiming to create a level playing field for businesses and a safe environment for consumers.