Regulator Session 2: ‘Global Regulator Update’
ICPHSO’s Global Regulator Update featured senior representatives from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the European Commission and the National Consumer Commission of South Africa.
The panel explored the most significant regulatory activities in their jurisdictions from the past year, the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis and how they engage with each other to find common solutions for common problems. Of particular note was the announcement from the UK representative that the UK government intends to legislate and hold online marketplaces accountable for the products sold on their platforms.
Other key highlights included:
Significant regulatory activities
- Introduction of new legislation: Representatives from the UK, European Union and US discussed a raft of legislative changes, including the UK’s Product Safety and Metrology Bill, which is anticipated to pass by Q3 2025, the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), specifically, the introduction of secondary legislation outlining recall templates and the Consumer Safety Gateway, and the finalisation of requirements in the US on button cell batteries and nursing pillows/infant support cushions.
- Revision of existing regulatory frameworks: The South African representative explained the ongoing intergovernmental drive to separate the regulation of foodstuffs from general consumer products.
- Focus on lithium-ion batteries and micromobility: The UK and US representatives explained that both regulators had a strong emphasis on lithium-ion batteries and micromobility products (e.g., e-bikes). Whilst both recognised the utility of these products, it was agreed that new initiatives were needed to better address risks, such as overheating, fire and explosions.
- Consumer protection and education: All jurisdictions explained that they are enhancing consumer protection through internal and external educational efforts, with the aim of empowering companies and consumers with the information and tools to ensure the products they produce, buy and use are safe.
Key challenges faced by regulators
- Understanding and implementing new legislation: The EU and US representatives both discussed the challenge of educating companies on new legislative requirements, especially those based in foreign jurisdictions. The EU representative explained that the European Commission was receiving a significant number of inquiries in respect of the GPSR and, alongside to responding to these, was hosting educational webinars and developing FAQs, guidance, and communication campaigns to help all stakeholders comply.
- Online marketplaces: The interconnected nature of modern commerce presents unique regulatory challenges. In particular, the UK representative announced that the UK government intends to legislate and hold online marketplaces accountable for the products sold on their platforms.
- Education and outreach in developing countries: The South Africa representative explained that a particular challenge in countries with more nascent product safety systems is to educate large numbers of small manufacturers to ensure they understand – and comply with – product safety regulations. This requires extensive outreach and collaboration with various governmental bodies to integrate these businesses into the regulatory framework.
In wrapping up the session, all representatives emphasised the importance of collaboration both with the regulators on the panel, other regulators worldwide and in other forums – e.g., the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) or the United Nations (UN). Given the rapid nature of recent changes in product safety, it is clear that ongoing cooperation and collaboration is the only way in which common solutions can be found to common problems.
The Cooley products team will be posting highlights from other plenary panel sessions on our blog throughout the event.
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