ABSTRACT
As global trade increases with exploding speed, so do attempts to regulate the production and distribution of countless products, ranging from medication and cosmetics to chemical solvents and food additives. The challenge for regulators is to find a delicate balance between promoting trade values, such as product distribution and market access, and non-trade values, such as health and safety of the general public who will consume such goods. The European Union has taken a leading role here by appointing authorities, both at a Member State level and at a pan-European level. The goal of these authorities is to regulate the EU internal and external markets by authorizing the introduction of new products and also by performing quality controls on all products distributed in the EU, with the final aim of safeguarding public health and the environment. However, this task becomes increasingly challenging due to the multitude of such authorities at various levels of governance as well as the conflicting interests and goals of non-EU members and manufacturers. At this critical juncture, the contribution of the various stakeholders who are involved in the assessment and regulation of goods can provide a much needed inside perspective on several pressing issues. The specialized knowledge and different perspectives provided by different stakeholders can lead to a deepened knowledge and better informed final decisions. Involving the general public in the stakeholder process is also away of contributing to a more inclusive participation procedure.
