Challenges in Sharing Information for Product Safety

1. The challenge of sharing informationObstacles and co-operation mechanisms in the field of product safety Peter Avery Head of the Consumer Policy Unit Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Peter.Avery@oecd.org) WTO, 9 November 2011, Geneva

2. OECD work on product safety Background Summer of recalls -- 2007 Work stream launched -- 2008 Working Party on Consumer Product Safety established – 2010 • Promote information exchange • Support research on product safety issues • Monitor and assess policy and regulatory developments • Promote co-operation with non-members • Promote harmonisation of product safety requirements and information collection

3. OECD work on product safety Work programme Short term • Pool information on recalls and emergency alerts • Mechanisms to co-ordinate initiatives more effectively • Support regional and global fora: i) increase understanding of differences among jurisdictions; ii) promote harmonisation of standards; iii) flag emerging issues Medium term • Web access to studies of hazards • Web access to updates on regulatory activities • Directory of safety experts Longer term • Injury data • Pooled information on product hazards • Confidentiality protocol • Co-operation on traceability

4. OECD work on product safety Opportunities, challenges and obstacles Opportunities • Governments more open to sharing information • Strong interest of non-members • Cost effectiveness Principal challenges and obstacles • Avoiding duplication • Cost and technical challenges of developing web platforms • Agreed taxonomies • Language • Maintaining vitality and relevance of platforms • Mechanisms to engage non-members • Funding

5. For further information on the OECD work on consumer product safety, please contact Ewelina.Marek@oecd.orgwww.oecd.org/sti/consumer-policy/productsafety