E-labelling: are EU ready for the digital age yet?

Tracey Bischofberger and Julia Maskell

A new public consultation on the labelling of fragrance allergens could open the door to e-labelling in the EU.

EU public consultation on RoHS: have your say!

Tracey Bischofberger

The European Commission is currently holding a public consultation as part of its evaluation of Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. This is an important opportunity for stakeholders to have their say.

Highlights from the ICPHSO International Symposium, Dublin 2019

Last week, product safety professionals from around the globe attended the ICPHSO International Symposium in Dublin. We are pleased to bring you some of the highlights coming out of the many interesting sessions.

Carol Holley

This is not a class action: proposed directive to introduce group actions across the EU gaining momentum

Jamie Humphreys and Tracey Bischofberger

The EU has been pushing ahead with proposed new legislation to introduce representative actions across the EU. The proposed new EU-wide rules will apply to infringements of a broad range of EU laws that harm the collective interests of consumers including in the areas of consumer rights, data protection, product liability and product safety.

Can we fix it? Yes we can! New EU right to repair laws adopted

Legislation setting out new EU-wide rules on reparability, availability of spare parts and access to repair and maintenance information for certain appliances (such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and washer-dryers) has been adopted and will apply from 2021. These measures have implications for manufacturers, importers and authorised representatives of affected products placed on the EU market. There have also been calls to extend these requirements to other durable non-energy related consumer products. Manufacturers of products not affected by these new laws need to keep an eye on developments in this area.

Tracey Bischofberger

AV/ICT equipment: don’t let standards slip! New single safety standard IEC 62368 coming into force

A new single safety standard IEC 62368 is coming into force that will replace existing safety standards for ICT and AV equipment. This will have important implications for many product manufacturers and importers. Businesses need to start thinking about this and making preparations now.

Tracey Bischofberger

OPSS I did it again – further guidance published to prepare businesses for a No Deal Brexit

Julia Maskell

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published additional detailed guides for business on specific product safety regulations in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

Cash for the Crash

Rod Freeman

UK Government offers cash grants to help companies prepare for the UK “crashing out” of the EU without a deal.

Consumer IoT products: Governments opening the doors on cybersecurity regulation

The European Commission has been working on a range of measures to strengthen cybersecurity of consumer IoT products, and has just launched a public consultation. This provides an important opportunity to make a contribution to the future direction of regulation in this area in the EU. At the same time, the UK is actively considering the future of regulation in this area, with its public consultation having recently been completed. More details below.

Tracey Bischofberger

Charging ahead: one size fits all

EU proposal for harmonised chargers for mobile phones and other consumer devices

Tracey Bischofberger