Unsafe consumer products continue to pose significant risks to public health and sustainable development. In recognition of the challenges, the General Assembly, in the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection, notes that all consumers should have the right of access to non-hazardous products. However, the globalization of trade and the rapid expansion of digital commerce have amplified the complexity of ensuring product safety, since more goods are swiftly crossing borders.
A recent global review found that 87 per cent of banned or recalled products remained accessible online, highlighting the urgent need for stronger oversight in digital marketplaces. UNCTAD data shows that less than 40 per cent of member States have comprehensive consumer product safety laws in place, leaving significant gaps in global consumer protection.
Discussions at this event will explore practical pathways for strengthening product safety through national reforms and international cooperation; and highlight key priorities, such as enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving risk assessment and injury data collection, strengthening product recall systems and establishing real-time mechanisms for information exchanges across borders, taking into consideration the particular needs of developing countries.
Programme
Opening remarks: Luz María de la Mora, Director, Division on International Trade and Commodities
High-level panel and interactive discussion
Questions:
- What are the most urgent policy and regulatory gaps that countries, particularly developing countries, need to address in order to strengthen national consumer product safety frameworks?
- How can international cooperation be improved to prevent the cross-border distribution of unsafe products, particularly in the context of digital trade and electronic commerce?
- Which mechanisms or best practices exist, or should be developed, for real-time information-sharing on product recalls, bans and hazards among member States?
Moderator: Teresa Moreira, Head, Competition and Consumer Policies Branch, Division on International Trade and Commodities
