Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province – In a significant move toward enhancing global consumer protection, China, the United States, and the European Union reached a new consensus on Wednesday to improve cooperation in consumer product safety. The agreement was announced at the Eighth China-U.S.-EU Trilateral Summit on Consumer Product Safety, co-hosted by the General Administration of Customs (GAC), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee, and the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission.
The trilateral meeting underscored the commitment of the three parties to build common standards, enhance joint supervision, and focus on protecting consumer rights and interests. The collaboration aims to safeguard the overall safety of consumer products through coordinated efforts and the establishment of unified international standards.
Joint Action for Enhanced Safety
The new consensus involves taking joint action to fully utilize existing cooperation frameworks dedicated to the health and safety of consumers. Key areas of focus include seeking international standards, pooling regulatory efforts, and enhancing the sharing of risk information among the parties.
With a strategy of coordinated governance, the three sides agreed to bolster project cooperation, facilitate exchanges and seminars, and provide professional training. Strengthening information communication and technical consultation under the framework of continuous high-level exchanges is also a priority.
A 16-Year Partnership with Positive Outcomes
The trilateral cooperation framework, initiated 16 years ago, has yielded positive results in enhancing consumer product safety. In 2023, China’s consumer product trade with the United States and Europe reached 1.8 trillion yuan (over $250 billion) and 1.79 trillion yuan, respectively, reflecting the robust economic ties and the importance of ensuring product safety in these markets.
Looking Ahead
The strengthened cooperation is expected to not only protect consumers but also facilitate smoother trade relations and mutual trust among the three economic powerhouses. By working towards common goals and standards, China, the U.S., and the EU are setting a precedent for international collaboration in consumer safety, benefiting consumers and businesses alike.
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China, U.S. and EU improve consumer product safety cooperation
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