European and French regulations
Integrating safety into the design of consumer products

European regulations are directly linked to the general principle of the single European market. Products legally manufactured or marketed in one country must be able to circulate freely in the European Union, provided they meet essential safety requirements. These requirements are defined in directives specific to certain product categories (Toys Directive, Machinery Directive, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, etc.). This is the "new approach".

It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that his product complies with the essential safety requirements. He can choose between several options provided for in the directives (from compliance with the standard to external inspection of the products and the quality assurance...