Product safety
Products released on the EU market must be safe to use. You can here read about the special rules that apply to product safety.
Product safety refers to safety requirements for the majority of products intended for consumers and sold commercially. This applies to both new and second-hand products. Products such as food and animal feed are not covered by market surveillance, and trade in these goods is regulated by other legislation.
The safety requirements are set out in a number of EU directives and regulations. Compliance with safety requirements is monitored by a number of market surveillance public agencies, known as market surveillance. These public agencies have the power to inspect products on the market and also when these goods are at the border. If a product does not meet the applicable product safety requirements, measures must be taken against the manufacturer or importer of the product.
The purpose of market surveillance is to ensure safety, health, environmental and consumer protection, and to prevent distortions of competition.
What is Swedish Customs authorised to do?
Swedish Customs has the right to detain a suspected item at the border. We can detain goods in this way at the request of a market surveillance authority. The outcome for the product in question is always determined by the decision and powers of the market surveillance authority. As an importer, you are always liable for any additional costs that may arise in connection with the detention of the goods.
Things to bear in mind when making purchases from outside the EU
Caution is always advised when buying goods from a country outside the EU, especially if it is from a seller from whom you have not made any previous purchases. Ask the manufacturer or seller whether the product meets current EU product safety requirements, search for information about the product and the seller online, and read reviews.
If you, as a private individual, import an unsafe product and use it, there is a risk that the product could cause harm to you and your family.
Market surveillance
Market surveillance aims to guarantee safety, health and consumer protection. It also seeks to counteract the distortion of competition between companies. In Sweden, market surveillance is carried out by a number of authorities (so-called market surveillance authorities).
Market surveillance at marknadskontroll.se
Sweden’s national accreditation body (Swedac)
Swedac is the public authority in charge of coordinating Swedish market surveillance. Coordination is exercised via, amongst other bodies, Sweden’s Market Surveillance Council. This comprises representatives from various authorities, Swedish Customs being one of these.