RAPEXjärjestelmän

RAPEXjärjestelmän, officially known as the EU Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products, is a network established by the European Commission to facilitate rapid information exchange between member states' market surveillance authorities. Its primary purpose is to ensure that dangerous non-food products are quickly identified and removed from the market across the European Union and the European Economic Area.

The system operates on a notification basis. When a national authority identifies a product posing a serious risk to consumer health or safety, it sends an alert to the European Commission via the RAPEX system. This alert contains detailed information about the product, the nature of the risk, and the measures taken by the notifying country. Other member states then review this information and can take appropriate actions within their own territories, such as withdrawing the product from sale or recalling it from consumers.

RAPEX covers a wide range of product categories, including toys, cosmetics, electrical appliances, clothing, and motor vehicles. The information shared is publicly accessible through the European Commission's website, allowing consumers and businesses to stay informed about potentially hazardous products. The system aims to prevent consumers from being exposed to dangerous goods and to ensure a high level of protection for their health and safety throughout the single market. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumer well-being by ensuring swift and coordinated action against unsafe products.