Icelandic Act on Product Safety and Official Market Control No. 134/1995

1. Scope and Application

The Act applies to goods traded professionally in Iceland or exported to EEA, EFTA Member States, or the Faroe Islands, including services related to goods exchange. It excludes second-hand products sold as antiques or for repair if disclosed. Special rules apply if other Acts are less strict. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

2. Definitions

Product (Vara): Movable property including manufactured items. Producer (Framleiðandi): Manufacturer or importer. Distributor (Söluaðili): Supply chain professionals not affecting safety. Safe Product (Öryggi vara): Non-hazardous under normal use, considering nature, risks, and vulnerable groups. Official Market Control (Opinber markaðseftirlit): Surveillance and enforcement. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

3. Safety Requirements

Products must meet safety laws or general assessments against standards and consumer expectations. Minister can set regulations for safety, conformity, and information. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

4. Obligations of Producers and Distributors

Producers ensure compliance, disclose dangers, prevent hazards through checks and information. Distributors verify safety and notify authorities of risks. Must retain tracing documents and cooperate in withdrawals. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

5. Market Surveillance

Consumer Agency and other authorities conduct surveillance, inspections, and coordinate via committees. Handle notifications like RAPEX and issue warnings. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

6. Investigations and Decisions

Authorities investigate complaints or suspicions, with police assistance. Decisions follow administrative laws, appealable to the Appeals Committee on Consumer Affairs. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

7. Legal Remedies

Authorities can withdraw, remove from market, or prohibit hazardous products. Require modifications, replacements, or refunds. Mark products with warnings and publicize dangers at producer's expense. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

8. Costs and Penalties

Producers bear costs for inspections and remedies. Non-compliance incurs daily fines. Serious violations lead to fines or imprisonment. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159

9. Professional Secrecy and Entry Into Force

Employees maintain secrecy. Act under Minister of Justice and Human Rights, with Consumer Agency handling operations. Aligns with EEA and EU directives. https://www.neytendastofa.is/lisalib/getfile.aspx?itemid=2159