Protection of consumers: general product safety (rev. Directive 92/59/EEC)

The Parliament has voted 330 to 187 with 11 abstentions in favour of the resolution drafted by Mrs Laura GONZALEZ ALVAREZ (EUL/NGL, E), welcoming a proposed directive designed to improve current legislation on EU-wide safety of consumer products, together with amendments. The amendments seeks to ensure that the legislation does not apply to flea markets, charity shops, car-boot sales and other bric-a-brac activities. (Refer to the decision of the Committee responsible for additional information). In addition, Parliament believes that a Community Rapid Information System (RAPEX) should be both streamlined and extended to non-EU countries. It also believes that a European Product Safety Network between the Member States' authorities competent for the market surveillance of consumer products should be established by 1 January 2004.�