For all too long, ANEC has been pressing for regulatory action underpinned by standards to increase the access of consumers of all ages and abilities to everyday products and services. We welcomed the European Commission proposal for a European Accessibility Act (COM(2015) 615final), adopted on 2 December 2015, as it aimed to improve the functioning of the EU internal market for accessible products and services by removing barriers created by divergent laws.
Services are one of the main drivers of the European economy and account for around 70 percent of GDP. Standards can ensure the quality of services, but only if they exist and are used. Today, ANEC publishes a report on the use of service standards by authorities as a tool in market surveillance.
Internet-connected toys, now available to consumers in many countries, engage in ‘conversations’ with children by using built-in microphones and speech recognition technologies. But are children’s secrets safe with these toys and could even their personal safeties be placed at risk?
ANEC agrees on the need for a coordinated approach to fire safety in the EU as expressed in a call today from a wide - ranging alliance of stakeholders. Nevertheless, we believe such an holistic strategy also needs to foresee closing the gaps that exist in legislation addressing hazardous chemicals in products relevant to consumers.
ANEC welcomes adoption of the second phase of Regulation 129 by UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP 29).
Raising standards for consumers
European Association for the Coordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation aisbl
Rue d’Arlon 80, 1040 Etterbeek
Brussels, Belgium
+32 (0)2 743 24 70
anec(at)anec.eu
ANEC is supported financially by the European Union & EFTA
