The move seeks to enhance consumer protection in an increasingly globalized and digital marketplace, as product safety is not a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all.
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On 15 December, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution establishing the first-ever United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety.
The principles affirm the right of all consumers to safe, non-hazardous products, sold online and offline, in line with the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection.
They underscore that businesses bear the primary responsibility for product safety throughout a product’s entire life cycle.
They also empower public authorities to conduct risk assessments, order recalls, remove unsafe listings from online marketplaces, and share safety alerts across borders.
Crucially, the principles provide a flexible, non-trade-restrictive framework that helps 193 UN Member States strengthen domestic laws, improve enforcement, protect vulnerable consumers, as well as align product safety with sustainable consumption and circular economy objectives.
Safe products matter to everyone. But major gaps remain
Unsafe products come with human, environmental and economic costs, disproportionately affecting developing countries with limited regulatory capacity and large informal markets.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has estimated that 44% of UN Member States still lack adequate legal frameworks to ensure consumer product safety.
The rapid growth of e-commerce also adds to the challenge: An OECD study found that 87% of recalled or banned products remain available online, often beyond the reach of national enforcement authorities.
Groundwork laid by UNCTAD
The new developments in New York build on the work of the 9th UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection, convened in July by UNCTAD – the UN system’s lead office for consumer protection issues.
During the conference, draft principles sponsored by Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa, Spain and Sweden were adopted by consensus to address mounting global risks associated with unsafe consumer products, particularly in cross-border and online trade.
The resolution went on to receive endorsement at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, reflecting broad support across developing and developed regions for stronger global cooperation on product safety.
UNCTAD to lead global implementation
The resolution entrusts UNCTAD with promoting, disseminating, and supporting the implementation of the new principles through consensus-building, technical cooperation, and research and analysis.
These principles will become part of the work programme of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, whose upcoming 9th session is slated for July 2026 in Geneva.
UNCTAD is also developing its first Handbook on Consumer Product Safety, funded by the European Commission, to provide practical guidance for policymakers and regulators, particularly in developing countries.