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In the EU and the US, fitness and leisure products need to meet the requirements of multiple laws and regulations to ensure product safety, compliance and protect consumer.

1. General Product Safety Directive (GPSD)

The General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) is the primary legislative framework ensuring that all consumer products, including sport and leisure products, placed on the EU market are safe. Key requirements include:

    • Manufacturers must ensure that products are safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
    • Products must come with relevant safety information and warnings.
    • Manufacturers must take appropriate measures, such as consumer notifications and product recalls, if a product is found to be dangerous.

 

2. Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (PPE)

The Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425 covers personal protective equipment (PPE), including sports protective gear like helmets and knee pads. Key points include:

    • Products must undergo conformity assessment procedures (e.g., CE marking) to ensure they meet essential health and safety requirements.
    • Manufacturers must provide clear usage instructions and safety information.

 

3. Toy Safety Directive (TSD)

The Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) applies to sports and leisure products intended for children, such as sports toys. Key requirements include:

    • Toys must meet specific safety standards.
    • Manufacturers must conduct risk assessments and provide a declaration of conformity.
    • All toys must carry the CE marking, indicating compliance with EU safety requirements.

 

4. Chemical Regulations (REACH)

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is the EU regulation on chemicals, applicable to all products, including sport and leisure items. Key points include:

    • Manufacturers must register the chemicals used in their products.
    • Certain hazardous substances are restricted or banned.

 

5. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directives (RoHS and WEEE)

    • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive): Limits the use of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, applicable to sport equipment with electrical components.
    • WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive): Governs the recycling and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring proper treatment of sport equipment at the end of its life cycle.

 

6. Market Surveillance and Compliance

The Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 strengthens the oversight of products on the EU market to ensure they comply with relevant regulations and are safe. Key points include:

    • Market surveillance authorities can conduct inspections and tests.
    • Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must take corrective actions if products are found to be non-compliant.
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