FAQs on the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations 2011 (CGSR)

1. What is the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations 2011 (CGSR) about?

The CGSR seeks to enhance the safety of general consumer goods that are currently not regulated. These include toys, children’s products, apparels, sports and recreation products, furniture, mattresses and bedding and DIY tools. (See Q2 for examples)

For products which CGSR does not cover, see Q3.

2. What products are covered under the CGSR?

The following are examples of consumer goods covered under the CGSR :

1. Children’s products, such as walkers and cribs
2. Toys, such as balloons, balls and rattle
3. Electrical, electronic and gas products that are not regulated under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme (CPS Scheme)
4. Furniture, mattresses and bedding
5. DIY products, such as power tools and home improvement products
6. Apparels
7. Sports and recreation products such as bicycles and treadmills
8. Stationery products, such as writing instruments and paper items
9. Others such as costume jewellery and watches

3. What products are excluded from the CGSR?

The CGSR does not cover goods already regulated by the following government agencies :

1. Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA): food products and containers / utensils containing / in contact with food and beverages
   Website : www.ava.gov.sg
2. Health Sciences Authority (HSA): Cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and Chinese Proprietary medicines
   Website : www.hsa.gov.sg
3. Land Transport Authority (LTA): Motor vehicles
   Website : www.lta.gov.sg
4. Traffic Police (TP) : Motorcycle helmets and children’s car seats
   Website : www.spf.gov.sg/abtspf/tp.htm
5. SPRING Singapore : 45 categories of household electrical, electronic and gas products
   Website : www.spring.gov.sg/safety

In addition, the following categories of goods are also excluded under the CGSR :

1. Used or second-hand goods
2. Goods produced solely for export or imported solely for re-export

4. How is CGSR different from the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme (CPS Scheme)?

The CGSR covers all consumer goods that are not regulated by other regulatory agencies in Singapore, and is based on post-market surveillance and action. The CPS Scheme covers only 45 categories of household electrical, electronic and gas products, and is based on pre-market control which requires registration with SPRING Singapore.

5. When does the CGSR take effect?

The CGSR takes effect from 1 April 2011.

6. Who will be affected by the CGSR?

Suppliers (manufacturers, distributors and retailers) of consumer goods that are not regulated by other regulatory agencies in Singapore will be affected by CGSR.

7. What are the respective roles of SPRING, suppliers and consumers in the CGSR?

1. As the Safety Authority, SPRING’s role is to investigate and instruct suppliers of unsafe consumer goods to stop selling them.
2. Role of suppliers, distributors and retailers : To supply safe products. If any goods are found to be unsafe, they should inform consumers, and stop selling the unsafe goods.
3. Role of consumers : To take ownership of their own safety when purchasing and using products, and to take note of unsafe products and recall notices. They should also inform SPRING and suppliers if they suspect any product is unsafe.

8. Are safety/conformity marks (e.g. CE marking) sufficient to ensure that the products are safe?

Consumers should be aware of various safety/conformity marks and their limitations. For example, the CE marking signifies a self-declaration by the manufacturer that the products meet the European Union’s safety requirements.

9. What should I do when I suspect that a product is unsafe?

1. Consumer : Immediately stop using the product and inform the supplier and SPRING Singapore
2. Manufacturer, importer or trader : Immediately stop the supply and notify SPRING Singapore

10. What action will SPRING Singapore take :

SPRING Singapore will carry out routine market surveillance regularly as part of its enforcement efforts.

• If a product is reported to be unsafe?
  SPRING Singapore will investigate whether the product is indeed unsafe.
• If a product is found to be unsafe?
  SPRING Singapore will notify the supplier (manufacturers, distributors and retailers) and the public of the unsafe product and instruct the supplier to stop the supply of the unsafe product. SPRING Singapore will also instruct suppliers to inform users of the potential dangers of the product.

11. What are the offences under the CGSR?

Any person who —

1. continues selling the goods on or after the day following the issue of a public notice declaring any consumer goods to be unsafe or;
2. fails to comply with a direction issued by SPRING shall be guilty of an offence.

12. What are the penalties for the offences?

The first time offender on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. In the case of a second or subsequent offence, the offender shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

13. How do I find out more about the CGSR?

Details of the CGSR are available at www.spring.gov.sg/productsafety.