Product safety

All consumer goods that are sold in the EU must comply with product safety rules. This applies both to goods that are sold online and in a physical shop, and to second-hand and refurbished products. EU rules also require manufacturers to include safety warnings on products.

CE marking

Some categories of products are subject to a particular set of safety rules. If you see the letters 'CE' on a product packaging or label, it means that the product is subject to specific safety testing requirements, and the manufacturer declares that it conforms to these requirements. The CE marking system does not apply to all kinds of products.

Products that require a CE mark

Below is an non-exhaustive list of consumer products that are subject the CE marking rules. For more detailed information, see this complete list of EU legislation that covers product categories subject to CE marking requirements.

Toys, drones, electrical and electronic equipment, pyrotechnic products, recreational crafts and watercraft
Some kinds of pressure equipment, gas appliances, batteries, and machinery
Weighing and measuring equipment
Personal protective equipment
Medical appliances, including diagnostic equipment.

If a product does not feature a CE mark, it does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe (or untested). It might simply mean that the product type does not fall under EU rules for CE marking. On the other hand, if a product is subject to EU conformity rules and should have a CE label but does not, it may indicate a safety or compliance issue. In this case, shoppers should take precautions.

Reporting a problem

You can report a product to the authorities in your country if you see a CE mark that looks suspicious; the CE mark is distinctive and uniform, and incorrectly formatted CE marks should be treated with caution. You can also report unsafe or non-compliant products. See the list of country contacts below.

Product recalls

National authorities are responsible for inspecting and testing products on the market. If a product that has already been sold to consumers is found to pose a safety risk, the relevant authority will issue a product recall. If you find that you have purchased a product that is the subject of a recall, follow the authorities’ instructions carefully. There is an EU-wide rapid alert system where consumers can find all recall alerts issued by EU national authorities for products other than food and medicine. Consumers can also signal a defective product purchased in the EU via the same website.

For more detailed information on product safety testing and recalls, go to the website of the relevant country below.