OECD Consumer Policy Ministerial Meeting 2024

Session 2: Addressing new consumer product safety risks in a fast-evolving and global marketplace

Oct 8, 2024 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

CC15

Description

Unsafe products can have devastating health and financial consequences for consumers and give rise to major costs for economies. The digital transition exacerbates these risks, with banned or recalled products readily available online, including from online marketplaces and overseas sellers, creating new market surveillance and enforcement challenges. Products incorporating digital technologies, such as AI and virtual reality, may pose novel risks, including mental health harms or hazards from updates or new functions. The green transition also raises product safety concerns, such as unsafe materials in recycled products and the safety of second-hand, refurbished, shared, or repaired products. Addressing these new risks, while considering impacts on different consumer groups – for example defined by gender or age – will ensure regulations remain effective and bolster consumer trust and uptake of innovative and more sustainable products. This session will explore how jurisdictions are addressing product safety risks in digital markets, how to address challenges in the circular economy, and how the OECD and stakeholders can support these efforts. During this session, the launch of the Global Awareness Campaign on Lithium-ion Battery Safety will take place.