The Spanish National Markets and Competence Commission (CNMC) is pushing for updated safety rules that keep up with today’s digital world. A new proposed law aims to bring Spanish regulations in line with European standards, focusing on everyday items like clothes, furniture, and kitchen tools that aren’t covered by other specific laws.
The big change here is that “safety” now includes modern tech. The law addresses risks from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in connected devices. It also puts more responsibility on online shopping platforms, requiring them to be more proactive about removing dangerous items and keeping better track of who is selling on their sites. To make sure companies follow the rules, authorities plan to use “mystery shoppers” and will have the power to take down unsafe digital content.
For shoppers, this is great news. It strengthens your right to a repair, a replacement, or a full refund if you buy something unsafe. It also levels the playing field for businesses. By forcing all sellers—including those from outside the EU—to pay for safety tests and proper documentation, it stops dishonest companies from undercutting local businesses by skipping out on safety costs.
The CNMC’s main concern, however, is making sure these rules don’t crush small businesses. Right now, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) pay a huge portion of compliance costs in the EU. The Commission recommends creating clear guides and technical support to help these smaller shops keep up. They also suggest that digital platforms should be regulated based on their size; a small startup shouldn’t have to follow the same heavy rules as a massive global tech giant. The goal is simple: keep products safe for everyone without making it impossible for small businesses to survive.
