Study on the promotion of the use of RAPEX information by importers, distributors and retailers in the field of consumer product safety, with a particular focus on SMEs : final report

The study on the promotion of the use of RAPEX information by importers, distributors and retailers has the objective to provide an overview of the way how a target group of economic operators purchases goods, with a particular focus on if and how they use product safety information available on the RAPEX website to monitor whether the products they sell or import are safe. Based on data collected amongst importers, distributors and retailers in five target sectors (toys, clothing/fashion, cosmetics, electrical appliances, childcare articles) the study analyses (i) purchasing strategies of companies, (ii) their approaches to ensure product safety, (iii) their awareness of the RAPEX website, and (iv) their suggestions for promoting the use of RAPEX information. The analysis reveals that for increasing the uptake of the RAPEX website by economic operators three different target audiences need to be considered: regular users, unaware non-users, and reluctant non-users. Targeted actions and key messages addressing the distinct needs and expectations of each target audience are developed. The study concludes with two broad recommendations for promoting the use of RAPEX information. The first set of recommendations relates to the improvement and re-design of the RAPEX website. The second set of recommendations refers to awareness raising activities and the involvement of stakeholders.