GPSD (General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC)

The purpose of the revision of the old GPSD 92/59/EEC is to have an instrument of market control beside the measures already provided by sector directives. That is why in the whereas but for the moment not in the body of the directive the precautionary principle is mentioned.

Whenever such a reference would be made, it would directly conflict with the risk assessment procedures set up in accordance with the essential safety requirements of specific directives. In the new proposal the scope has been enlarged to include also those products which could migrate from the professional market to the consumer market.

Market surveillance authorities are allowed to take actions if a product is found not to comply with this directive. According to the Council common position manufacturers are allowed to take pro-active measures, prior to any action of the authorities.

The new directive 2001/95/EC must be adopted by the EU member states by 15 January 2004.