Alpha science toys：2023 EU product safety standards change trend forecast

We're told that 2022 is the year we begin to enter what we hope will be the beginning of what we hope will be the "new normal" post-pandemic. One of the things that Alpha science toys have learned in the field of international product law is that patterns and trends that had begun to develop before COVID have not been disrupted during this period, and continue to develop with increasing urgency. Policy shifts and regulatory reforms across the globe have responded to the challenges of the new digital economy, creating additional complexities, obligations, and risks for businesses, and all stakeholders are struggling to keep pace. The growing focus on sustainability and the circular economy has also driven major policy initiatives in product law.

Europe has been at the center of many major global initiatives, and Europe 2022 brings us a series of really important new measures. As it turns out, many of the EU's ambitions have had a huge impact on the rest of the world, which is emulating the EU in crafting their own policy reforms or at least being inspired by the direction and content of the EU's reforms.

For example, in 22 years, we have seen the European Commission issued a number of legislative proposals, including

The proposed regulation on eco-design for sustainable products

A proposed directive on empowering consumers to make the green transition (amending the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and the Consumer Rights Directive)

Proposed revisions to eco-design regulations for power consumption in standby and off modes

Proposed new eco-design and energy labeling regulations for cell phones and tablets.

Proposed Cyber Resilience Act

Proposed revision of the Product Liability Directive

Proposed new Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive

Proposed new regulation prohibiting products made with forced labor

Proposed amendments to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (in the form of regulations)

Proposed restriction of intentionally added microplastics under REACH

Proposed amendments to the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging of Chemicals Regulations

Proposed Amendments to the Construction Products Regulation

The Commission also published the long-awaited revision of the Blue Guide, the main guidance document for interpreting EU product safety standards, along with several key policy documents.

An assessment of the new legislative framework

EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles

EU policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics

Roadmap for the restriction of chemicals as part of the EU Chemicals Strategy

Both the Digital Services Act and the Directive amending the Radio Equipment Directive to introduce common chargers complete the law-making process

A number of key provisions also come into force in 2022, including the Sale of Goods Directive (Products bitesize blog here) and the Digital Content and Digital Services Directive (Products Bitesize blog here), and the Consolidated Consumer Law Directive (Products blog here).

Outside the EU, policy reform is also heavy on the agenda, including in the UK where, in addition to the seemingly never-ending issue of Brexit, we have seen the release of

New practice guidelines for bringing safe products to market, and updated practice guidelines for product recalls and other corrective actions.

Online Safety Act

A new risk assessment methodology for consumer products, "PRISM".

Also in the UK, the Product Safety and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (which establishes a framework to create cybersecurity laws for consumer-connected products) completes the law-making process.

Across the Atlantic in the U.S., policy initiatives include.

Introduction of a "right to repair" law in New York

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which sets out a number of key ways forward

Increased enforcement activity at the CPSC level, including a model for increased civil penalties and a commissioner-led call for Congress to increase enforcement authority.

This is important!

Of course, the above is just the tip of the iceberg. Actual policy reforms around the world in 2022 are much deeper and broader than what is reflected in this selection. This makes for a challenging time for all stakeholders.

What to expect in 2023

So what can Alpha science toys, a China manufacturer of educational toys, expect in 2023? The truth is that the current wave of policy reform is actually just beginning. We are at the beginning of a fundamental shift, and it is happening all over the world. Regulatory reform has lagged behind the digital revolution for years and is playing catch-up. The new policy focus, driven by new technologies, new markets, and a global focus on sustainability, means that the process will continue and companies will have to respond. The legal and business risks for those companies that don't (or can't) adapt are real and significant.

Crystal ball aside, for 2023, we can expect at least the following major developments.

In Europe, we expect the following to be announced.

A proposed directive on the right to repair

Proposed legislation on the substantiation of environmental claims

A proposed amendment to the Toy Safety Directive

A proposed amendment to RoHS and proposed deletion

We may also see significant developments in the proposed General Product Safety Regulation, the revised Product Liability Directive, the Battery Regulation, the new Machinery Regulation, and the proposed Artificial Intelligence Bill. Importantly, the new EU Representative Action Directive will apply to cases starting in June 2023.

In addition to these policy measures, along with corresponding reforms occurring around the world, it is expected that there will be a continued focus on strengthening enforcement and enhancing cooperation between international regulators, at least as it relates to the enforcement of product laws.

Alpha science toys, as a professional China manufacturer of educational toys, has been following the development of global safety standards for children's toys and is always aware of the safety standards for children's toys related to different countries and markets. At the same time, Alpha science toys are in full compliance with the EU and other countries' safety standards for children's toys, and every product is quality assured, with the aim of providing the world's children with the most reliable and safe toys, and enjoying the fun and knowledge brought by children's educational toys. Alpha science toys welcome different toy brands and retailers from all over the world to contact us and together we will bring the best fun and learning help to children around the world and fill their childhood with joy.