ABSTRACT
With the regionalisation and internationalisation of consumer product safety regulation there has been an emphasis on deregulation. This has evidenced itself in an increasing role for standardisation and flexible methods of establishing conformity. The focus of standardisation is increasingly moving to the regional and international level. Three safeguards would appear necessary if the benefits of free trade and deregulation are not to cause consumer harm. First, the use of self–regulatory standards should take place within a regulatory framework. Second, consumers must be involved in the decisions made by self–regulatory authorities. Third, there is a need for stronger rather than weaker enforcement agencies. One cannot have free trade, deregulation and also guarantee consumer safety without providing the means for consumers to influence the new self–regulatory systems and for authorities to police the marketplace. Consumers should be able to participate in self–regulatory structures.
