Consumer Protection, European Style RAPEX

The RAPEX rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products is proving a success throughout Europe. The system is intended to address risks to health and safety through the rapid exchange of information between EU countries. When a non-food product is found to be dangerous, the national authorities notify the commission which can then either ban the product or let it be sold on certain conditions. In April, the EU revealed the results of the 2006 RAPEX report, which highlights a sharp rise in the number of notifications resulting in the withdrawal from the market of many products.

Tags: RAPEX, Consumer Protection, EU, EU Commission