Source: European Parliament
The Commission acknowledges the specific situation related to the vehicles in circulation in Cyprus. More than 75% of the vehicle fleet in Cyprus is comprised of second-hand imports. In addition, high humidity and temperatures increase the safety hazards linked to Takata airbags.
The Commission closely monitors the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation concerning consumer health and safety, including Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles[1].
Member States are responsible for the enforcement at national level. Regulation (EU) 2018/858, however, does not provide specific safety requirements for airbags fitted in vehicles.
For risks not covered by EU harmonisation legislation, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)[2] applies. The GPSR requires that all consumer products placed on the market are safe.
The GPSR introduces new obligations for economic operators on traceability, product recalls, the right to information of consumers and to cost-free and effective remedies in case of product recalls. The GPSR is implemented by national market surveillance authorities.
When the Commission identifies potential shortcomings in a Member State’s implementation of EU legislation, it engages in a structured dialogue to assess compliance.
If it concludes that the legislation has not been implemented correctly, the Commission may initiate infringement proceedings under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, PE/73/2017/REV/1, OJ L 151, 14.6.2018.
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety, PE/79/2022/REV/1, OJ L 135, 23.5.2023.