The GPSD or General Products Safety Directive complements sector specific legislation such as specific rules that apply to toys, electrical and electronic goods, cosmetics, chemicals and other specific product groups. It does not cover pharmaceuticals, medical devices or food. The provisions of this directive only applies when there is no specific provisions in the community law, adding the general health and safety requirements common to all products.
A product covered only by the GPSD at an EU level, which mean that there is no common specific law, may still have national rules, in that case the product will be considered safe if it follows the relevant national standards.
In the absence of national legislation, the conformity of a product to the general safety requirement shall be assessed by taking into account:
