Consumer Safety

The goods and services offered to consumers must be safe. The companies and other parties offering these goods and services must, among other things, assess the associated risks.

Also, sufficient information must be provided to the consumer regarding the goods and services so that they can assess the dangers associated with them. Certain customer service providers are required to draw up a written safety document which goes through the risk factors connected with the service and how to take necessary precautions.

Legislation on consumer safety for consumer goods is based on the EU’s General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC). This directive dictates that consumer goods must not cause danger.

For many product groups, technical safety requirements are contained in European Standards, which are in principle voluntary standards, but which in practice are often very important.

Regulations regarding safety of services, on the other hand, are set on the national level. In different European countries, regulations on service safety have been implemented in different ways and on different levels. Consumer service providers include both commercial operators and also other bodies such as municipalities, which maintain playgrounds, sports facilities, beaches and other such services.

Consumers themselves are also required to bear safety in mind and act sensibly in their use of different services or purchased goods. In particular, special care must be taken of children and other individuals who are not themselves able to take responsibility for their own safety.

Further information emilia.tiuttu(at)gov.fi