Product safety

"Consumers must be able to rely on the fact that all products intended for private consumption are safe."(Federal Minister Ilse Aigner)

Products intended for private consumption must be safe. The legal situation is clear: anyone who sells goods or services must ensure that they do not constitute any risk to people. This applies both to envisaged use and to foreseeable misuse. The manufacturer or importer is liable for safety.

In order to guarantee technical safety, there are minimum requirements for many products in European law. With the CE mark manufacturers confirm that their products comply with the relevant directives of the European Union. Furthermore, for certain products like cosmetics or toys there are specific provisions on the EU level which regulate for instance the addition of fragrances and dyes or contain labelling provisions. When it comes to product safety the BMELV focuses on allergenic substances and substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic.

EU Toys Directive

As of 20 July 2011, stricter safety regulations apply to newly manufactured toys in Germany. With the new EU Toys Directive, important progress has been made in protecting children’s health and safety.

read more: EU Toys Directive …

Aigner demands safety of children’s toys to be on the agenda of the Council of the European Union

In a letter of 11 September 2009, the Federal Minister of Consumer Protection Ilse Aigner called upon the Swedish Presidency of the Council to bring the matter of the safety of children’s toys before the next Consumer Protection Council.

read more: Aigner demands safety of children’s toys to be on the agenda of the Council of the European Union …