Commission seeks views on strengthening EU product safety and market rules

The European Commission is seeking views on two major initiatives to reinforce the EU framework ensuring that all products on the single market are safe and fit for an increasingly digital and circular economy.

Millions of products circulate daily across the EU, from toys and electronics to machinery and medical devices. The EU's long-standing product safety system, symbolised by the CE mark, has made Europe a global leader in consumer protection. However, digitalisation, e-commerce and the rise of refurbished goods call for modernised rules.

The first initiative concerns the revision of the New Legislative Framework, which sets out the principles for market access, CE marking and conformity assessment. A recent evaluation identified challenges such as complex documentation, unclear treatment of refurbished products and inconsistent conformity checks. The review aims to simplify rules, reduce administrative burdens and improve coherence across sectors, thus strengthening consumer safety, sustainability, and fair competition.

In parallel, the Commission is seeking views on the Market Surveillance Regulation to assess how effectively it helps authorities and customs enforce EU product rules. It will also examine ways to boost coordination and enforcement against unsafe or non-compliant products.

Both initiatives will run until 4 February 2026 and underpin the forthcoming European Product Act, scheduled for adoption in Q3 2026. All stakeholders are invited to share their views online.