The challenge of sharing information Obstacles and co-operation mechanisms in the field of product safety Peter Avery Head of the Consumer Policy Unit Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development WTO, 9 November 2011, Geneva

OECD work on product safety Background Summer of recalls Work stream launched Working Party on Consumer Product Safety established – 2010 Promote information exchange Support research on product safety issues Monitor and assess policy and regulatory developments Promote co-operation with non-members Promote harmonisation of product safety requirements and information collection 2

OECD work on product safety Work programme Short term Pool information on recalls and emergency alerts Mechanisms to co-ordinate initiatives more effectively Support regional and global fora: i) increase understanding of differences among jurisdictions; ii) promote harmonisation of standards; iii) flag emerging issues Medium term Web access to studies of hazards Web access to updates on regulatory activities Directory of safety experts Longer term Injury data Pooled information on product hazards Confidentiality protocol Co-operation on traceabi lity 3

OECD work on product safety Opportunities, challenges and obstacles Opportunities Governments more open to sharing information Strong interest of non-members Cost effectiveness Principal challenges and obstacles Avoiding duplication Cost and technical challenges of developing web platforms Agreed taxonomies Language Maintaining vitality and relevance of platforms Mechanisms to engage non-members Funding 4

For further information on the OECD work on consumer product safety, please contact