Market surveillance

Citizens have the right to an adequate level of protection within the single market, regardless of a product’s origin. Market surveillance is also important for economic operators, as it helps prevent unfair competition. Each Member State within the EU is required to designate or establish a market surveillance authority. These authorities must have the necessary resources and powers to carry out market surveillance, must ensure the technical competence and professional integrity of their staff, and must act independently and non-discriminatorily while respecting the principle of proportionality. Notified bodies must not, as a matter of principle, be responsible for carrying out market surveillance, as this prevents conflicts of interest.