ASEAN embarks on product safety and labelling excellence

PHNOM PENH, 29 August 2024 – The ASEAN Brainstorming Workshop for the development of Product Safety and Labelling Guidelines convened today in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) engaged in discussions with the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to define the scope and methodology for the development of the guidelines.

The guidelines will serve as a reference for ensuring product safety and accurate labelling across ASEAN Member States. International best practices and key principles of product safety labelling were discussed, emphasising the importance of clear labelling, risk assessment, and effective communication with consumers.

As a precursor to the Brainstorming Workshop, a capacity-building workshop on product risk assessment was held on 28-29 August. Experts from the UK OPSS shared insights into product risk and the Product Safety Risk Assessment Methodology (PRISM) used in the UK. The workshop equipped participants with tools to evaluate and manage risks effectively.

The two workshops mark a significant step in the implementation of consumer protection technical assistance activities supported under the ASEAN - UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP) 2024-2028, for which the Regulatory Reform Pillar is implemented by the OPSS.

The EIP is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding consumers and promoting safe products.