General product safety
The general product safety regulations
Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 December 2001 on general product safety has been transposed into Irish legislation by the European Communities (General Product Safety) Regulations 2004 [S.I. No. 199/2004].
The legislation imposes a duty on manufacturers to ensure that products placed on the market comply with the essential health and safety requirements in the General Product Safety Regulations.
How is a product defined?
A “product” means any product, including in the context of providing a service, which is intended for consumers or likely, under reasonably foreseeable conditions, to be used by consumers even if not intended for them, and is supplied or made available, whether for consideration or not, in the course of a commercial activity and whether new, used or reconditioned.
What products are covered by The General Product Safety Regulations
All products which are not subject to specific safety requirements imposed by a regulation of the European Community or legislation giving effect to a directive of the European Community are covered by The General Product Safety Regulations.
What products are NOT covered by The General Product Safety Regulations?
These Regulations do not apply to:
- A product subject to specific safety requirements imposed by a regulation of the European Community or
- A product subject to specific safety requirements imposed by Legislation giving effect to a directive of the European Community.
- Second-hand products supplied as antiques
- Second-hand products to be repaired or reconditioned prior to being used
Must general products have a CE mark?
CE Marking should not be used on a product to demonstrate compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations.
