Product Safety and CE Marking

NEW EU REGULATION

Starting from December 2024, companies supplying consumer products are required to implement measures regarding labeling, technical safety, and the exchange of information with authorities and consumers. Experts from the Chamber of Commerce are available for information.

On the 13th of December 2024, the new Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety entered into force. It affects all consumer products placed on the market or made available. In the case of products with CE marking, such as machinery, electrical devices, or toys, the restrictions apply only to aspects not yet regulated. Products such as medicines, food, antiques, or aircraft are excluded, as other regulations apply to them.

Brief Information for Manufacturers

Manufacturers are required to conduct an internal risk analysis and prepare technical documentation. These must include a list of relevant technical standards, a technical drawing of the product, and a list of materials and chemicals used. The "Safety Gate" serves as a useful model.

For identification, products must be equipped with type, batch, or serial numbers. In addition to the name, trade mark, or company brand and the company's registered office, the electronic address must now also be indicated. Manufacturers must provide accessible communication channels, such as phone numbers, electronic addresses, or specific sections on their websites, allowing consumers to submit complaints.

Brief Information for Importers

Importers placing products from third countries (such as Switzerland) on the market must provide their name, registered trade name or company brand, postal address, and electronic address. If third-country manufacturers do not provide adequate communication means for complaints, this obligation falls on the importer.

Brief Information for Distance Selling Operators

In the case of online commerce, the offer must include at least the contact details and email address of the manufacturer or importer, the product identity mentioned above, and any warnings required by technical standards.

Online marketplace providers must register with the Safety Gate portal and provide data related to their single point of contact. They must also set up an online interface that allows entrepreneurs to retrieve mandatory information for each product offered.

Information for all Economic Operators

All economic operators have the obligation to report via the Safety Gate Alert if products present hazards. Experts from the Product Safety Service are available to companies for questions and individual meetings. For more information on the topic, including a video, please visit the following link.

Responsible persons interested in receiving constant updates on regulatory news can subscribe to the newsletter.