Ensuring that products are safe for consumers worldwide is increasingly vital in a rapidly evolving and interconnected global marketplace. Yet today, 44% of UNCTAD Member States still lack adequate product safety legislation, highlighting the urgency for stronger frameworks and global alignment. Momentum is building: in July, the 9th UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection adopted the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, now under consideration by the UN General Assembly. 

To support their implementation, the European Commission and UNCTAD are co-developing the first UNCTAD Handbook on Consumer Product Safety—a practical guide to help policymakers and regulators strengthen national systems and harmonize approaches with international best practice. 

This workshop will bring together global experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to: 

• Shape the forthcoming UN Handbook by providing early insights and recommendations.

• Discuss practical approaches for implementing the UN Principles on Consumer Product Safety.

• Explore how robust product safety systems and international cooperation can boost consumer trust, support sustainable development, and facilitate fair global trade.

The session will also contribute to the ongoing work of UNCTAD’s informal working group on consumer product safety, deepening international cooperation and supporting capacity-building, particularly in developing and least developed countries.  

Panellists: 

• Ms. Quyn Anh Nguyen, Vice Chair of Competition Commission, Viet Nam
• Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu, Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, South Africa
• Dr. Willard Mwemba, Chief Executive Officer for the Competition Commission of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) 

Breakout Discussions 

Breakout room 1. Information to consumers & international cooperation 

Moderator: Arnau Izaguerri, Legal Officer, UNCTAD  

Breakout room 2. Regulation, standards & responsibilities of authorities 

Moderator: Yvonne Stein, Deputy Director, Consumer Policy Division, Ministry of Finance, Sweden and Marie Gerardy, Legal and Policy Officer, European Commission 

Breakout room 3. Business engagement & multi-stakeholder cooperation 

Moderator: Cynthia Zapata, Director of Consumer Protection, Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade, Costa Rica  

Breakout room 4. Risk identification, assessment & corrective measures 

Moderator: Myriam Denieul, Legal and Policy Advisor, European Commission 

Breakout room 5. Engaging new product safety authorities 

Moderator: Ana Cipriano, Legal Officer, UNCTAD