Alibaba, Amazon, eBay and Rakuten – France pledge to remove dangerous products faster

Four major online companies, namely Alibaba, Amazon, eBay and Rakuten – France have pledged to responding to notifications on dangerous products from member state authorities within 2 working days and take action on notices from customers within 5 working days.The move was made possible after a dialogue facilitated by the European Commission.

Vera Jourova, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said: “More and more people in the EU are shopping online. E-commerce has opened up new possibilities for consumers, offering them more choice at lower prices. Consumers should be just as safe when they buy online, as when they buy in a shop. I welcome the Product Safety Pledge which will further improve consumer safety. I call also on other online marketplaces to join this initiative, so that the internet becomes a safer place for EU consumers.”

According to a statement by the EC, the online retailers have pledged to react within two working days to authorities’ notices made to the companies’ contact points to remove listings offering unsafe products. Also, they should provide a clear way for customers to notify dangerous product listings. Such notices are treated expeditiously and appropriate response is given within five working days. Moreover, the four companies will consult information on recalled/dangerous products available on the EU Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products and also from other sources, such as from enforcement authorities and take appropriate action with respect to the products concerned, when they can be identified.

In addition, the four companies will provide specific single contact points for EU Member State authorities for the notifications on dangerous products and for the facilitation of communication on product safety issues. Also, they will take measures aimed at preventing the reappearance of dangerous product listings already removed. Not least, provide information/training to sellers on compliance with EU product safety legislation, require sellers to comply with the law, and provide sellers with the link to the list of EU product safety legislation.