Tooteturvalisus

Tooteturvalisus, or product safety, refers to the set of measures and practices aimed at ensuring that consumer goods are safe to use and do not pose unreasonable risks to health or property. It covers design, production, packaging, labeling, and instructions for use, as well as post-market monitoring and potential recalls.

Regulatory framework and scope: In the European Union, product safety is primarily governed by the General Product Safety Directive, which requires that products placed on the market are safe for normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Compliance is often demonstrated through conformity assessment and, for certain products, by CE marking. National authorities implement these EU rules; in Estonia, market surveillance and enforcement are carried out by the relevant government agencies to remove unsafe products and to issue recalls when necessary.

Responsibilities: Manufacturers and importers bear the main obligation to ensure product safety, conduct risk assessments, maintain technical documentation, and provide clear safety instructions and labeling. Distributors and retailers must verify that products meet requirements and cooperate with authorities in recalls or safety actions. Businesses are typically required to keep records of safety assessments and report serious incidents related to their products.

Standards and conformity: Harmonized EN standards offer technical specifications that support safety compliance; when such standards are applied, conformity is often presumed. For products without a harmonized standard, a risk assessment tailored to the product is necessary to demonstrate safety.

Enforcement and consumer redress: Market surveillance bodies can test products, enforce corrective actions, and withdraw unsafe items from the market. Consumers can report safety concerns and seek remedies such as repair, replacement, or refunds under applicable consumer protection laws. The field continues to evolve with new rules addressing digital products, online marketplaces, and sustainability considerations.