ASEAN Making Strides in Improving Product Safety Labelling

South Tangerang, 18 – 19 June 2025 – The ASEAN Validation Workshop for the ASEAN Guidelines on Product Safety Labelling took place today in South Tangerang, Indonesia.

The ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) engaged in discussion with the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to finalize the guidelines to ensure good product safety labelling across the region. Discussions were led by OPSS CEO Graham Russell and expert Beverley Tolley. This Validation Workshop also facilitated ACCP’s first close engagement with the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) in undertaking its initiative, enabling stronger cross-sectoral collaborations in ASEAN.

The guidelines will contribute to the collective efforts in ensuring consistent product safety standards and accurate labelling across ASEAN Member States (AMS). Key discussions focused on international best practices and the principles that AMS should all use as a reference for their domestic regulation.

[Graham quote]

“I’ve been impressed by the commitment and depth of productive discussion about product safety here. It’s vital that consumers are informed and protected in a system that supports compliant businesses to thrive and grow. That takes risk-based action, based on data, and collaboration. It is exciting to see ASEAN driving forward and we are excited to be working with you.” said Graham Russel MBE, CEO of the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

On the second day, a Brainstorming Workshop on the Feasibility Study for the ASEAN Product Injury Portal was held at the sideline of the Validation Workshop. This feasibility study will evaluate the practicality of establishing an ASEAN platform for tracking and managing product-related injuries and assess the system’s potential to harmonize reporting procedures, This aims to improve consumer safety by supporting a faster, more cohesive and effective response to product safety concerns.

These workshops reflect ASEAN strong commitment to improve product safety measures in the region. It also represents a significant milestone in the implementation of consumer protection technical assistance under the ASEAN – UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP) 2024-2028, with OPSS leading the Regulatory Reform Pillar.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the EIP fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing ASEAN's ongoing commitment to safeguarding consumers and ensuring the integrity of products across the region.