Products safety and compliance

Product safety relates to the ability of a product to be safe for intended use. European and national legislation exists with regards to product safety, which sets out clear tests and requirements which manufacturers and distributors placing products on the European market, must follow. Next to this, product safety legislation also requires that consumers are informed of any risks associated with the products they supply and that any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. Product safety legislation imposes obligations on both producers and distributors. Placing unsafe products on the European market can be a criminal offence, which can lead to criminal sanctions. Next to this, product liability legislation gives consumers the right to sue for damages for injury caused by defective products.