Online retailers and other companies in the supply chain will take more responsibility for the products they sell in the future, according to a compromise agreed on Tuesday night. One of the goals is the rapid withdrawal of dangerous products from the market.
This includes, for example, goods purchased online – for example from Amazon – and delivered from a non-EU country. “As a result, products that do not meet our safety standards are entering the domestic market,” said Anna Cavazzini, Chair of the Internal Market Committee of the EU Parliament. He mentioned a belated adjustment to their online shopping requirements.
In the future, a so-called responsible person will need to check that the manufacturer’s information on EU safety standards is correct and that they are also met. SPD MEP René Repasi said that under certain circumstances, this person will also be liable for damage caused by defective products.
This is aimed at encouraging responsible companies to better and faster inform their customers, for example, in the event of a recall. An extended warranty period is also provided for buyers during which they are entitled to request replacement, repair or refund of dangerous products.
According to the European Parliament, the new regulations are expected to save EU consumers about one billion euros in the first year and about 5.5 billion euros over the next ten years.
The compromise still needs to be formally approved by EU countries and the European Parliament. The new rules will come into effect after an 18-month transition period.
(SDA)