The Government has launched a public consultation on a new EU proposal aimed at updating consumer-protection rules for the digital age.

The European Commission’s proposed Regulation on General Product Safety (GPSR) would replace the General Product Safety Directive that has been in place for 20 years.

The GPSR would apply to all non-food consumer products.

Cyber-security risks

The European Commission has said that the new regulation will address risks related to new technology products – such as cyber-security risks. It will also address risks linked with online shopping, by introducing product-safety rules for online marketplaces.

The new rules also aim to improve the surveillance of dangerous products in the EU, and to make recalls of products more effective.

Announcing the consultation, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar (pictured) said that almost three-quarters of consumers across the EU shopped online in some form last year, with many of them bought new technology products.

The consultation will remain open until 24 September.