Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations 2011 (CGSR)
Overview
The government has introduced new consumer protection regulations to enhance the safety of consumer goods. The Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR) seeks to protect consumers from unsafe general consumer goods such as toys, children’s products, apparels, sports and recreation products, furniture, mattresses and bedding and DIY tools.
Effective date of CGSR
With effect from 1 April 2011, SPRING Singapore will have the power to stop the supply of consumer goods that do not meet applicable safety standards. SPRING will also be able to direct suppliers to inform users of the potential dangers of such goods. The penalty for not complying is a fine and/or imprisonment.
Applicable standards
The consumer goods covered by the CGSR will have to meet applicable safety standards. The regulations will bring the safety of our consumer goods in line with international standards published by bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), or the European Committee for Standardisation or ASTM International (US). For consumer goods for which these organisations do not have the applicable standards, applicable regional or national standards will be accepted.
Exclusions
The following provides a listing of consumer goods that are regulated under other existing regulations and therefore do not come under the CGSR.
|
S/N
|
Product type
|
Regulator
|
|
1
|
Food products and utensils containing/contacting food or beverage |
Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)
www.ava.gov.sg
|
|
2
|
Cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and Chinese proprietary medicines |
Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
www.hsa.gov.sg
|
|
3
|
Motor vehicles |
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
www.lta.gov.sg
|
|
4
|
Motorcycle helmets and children car seats |
Traffic Police (TP)
www.spf.gov.sg
|
|
5
|
45 categories of household electrical, electronic and gas products (Controlled Goods)
|
SPRING Singapore
www.spring.gov.sg/safety
|
Key stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, importers and retailers, have been consulted in the drafting of the CGSR. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has also given its support.
