REGULATION (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety, amending Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and Directive (EU) 2020/1828, and repealing Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 87/357/EEC

Overview

Regulation (EU) 2023/988 aim to ensure consumer protection and fair competition among businesses within the European Union (EU). It achieves this by replacing existing directives on general product safety and food imitating products. These changes enhance the safety standards for consumer goods sold in both offline and online markets across the EU.

The regulation applies to products intended for distribution within the EU that are new, used, repaired, or reconditioned. This includes products offered to consumers through all sales channels.

This regulation does not apply to certain:

• Medicinal products for human or veterinary use,
• Food and feed,
• Living plants and animals, genetically modified organisms, and microorganisms used in contained environments,
• Animal-derived products and by-products,
• Plant protection products,
• Transport equipment operated by service providers,
• Aircraft that present low safety risks in design, production, maintenance, and operation,
• Antiques,
• Products clearly labeled for repair or reconditioning before use.