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, which are 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:
- Quyn Anh Nguyen, Vice Chair of the Competition Commission, Viet Nam
- Hardin Ratshisusu, Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, South Africa
- 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 and international cooperation
Moderator: Arnau Izaguerri, Legal Officer, UNCTAD, and Mykyta Sobko, BEUC
Breakout room 2. Regulation, standards and 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 and multi-stakeholder cooperation
Moderator: Cynthia Zapata, Director of Consumer Protection, Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade, Costa Rica
Breakout room 4. Risk identification, assessment and 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
