The United Nations principles for consumer product safety, adopted by the General Assembly on 15 December 2025, provide a global framework to help ensure that all products available to consumers are safe – whether sold online or offline.
Their adoption follows extensive intergovernmental work led by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations system’s focal point for consumer protection.
The principles support member states in strengthening product safety laws, policies and enforcement, while promoting cooperation among governments, businesses and civil society.
Why the principles matter
The principles reaffirm the right of all consumers to safe products and call for a high level of protection, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers and in countries with less developed product safety frameworks. Unsafe products can cause injuries, economic loss and diminished trust in markets, undermining sustainable development.
With the growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade, the principles emphasize international cooperation and promote information sharing and the use of appropriate technologies to detect and prevent the circulation of unsafe products. Strengthening product safety builds trust in markets and supports inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Key responsibilities
- Businesses are primarily responsible for ensuring product safety throughout the product life cycle – from design and production to distribution and recall when necessary.
- Member states are encouraged to empower authorities to identify risks, order corrective measures such as recalls, and communicate effectively with consumers.