Following a number of high-profile product recalls last year, the European Commission undertook a two-month stocktaking review on consumer product safety controls, with a specific focus on toys. Its conclusion that, when properly applied, the basic regulatory framework for consumer product safety is fit for purpose was published in November 2007.
The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), as implemented by each of the member states of the European Union (EU), introduced a new safety regime to the EU. Through various national implementing measures, new obligations have been imposed on producers, suppliers and distributors of consumer products.
