ProstSchG Germany – What It Is and Why It Matters

If you sell products in Germany, you’ve probably heard the term ProstSchG. It’s the short form for the German Product Safety Act, the legal backbone that protects consumers from unsafe goods. In plain English, this law says every product on the market must be safe for its intended use. Ignoring it can mean fines, recalls, or a ruined reputation.

Key Requirements in Simple Terms

First off, the law demands a risk assessment. Before you launch anything, you need to check for hazards – electrical, chemical, mechanical – and show how you’ve mitigated them. Next, you must keep a technical file with all test reports, design drawings, and user manuals. This file should be ready for inspection at any time.

Another must‑do is the CE marking for many products. The CE symbol tells authorities and buyers that the item meets EU safety standards, which the ProstSchG incorporates. Finally, you’re required to inform users about any remaining risks. Clear warnings, safety instructions, and proper labeling are non‑negotiable.

How to Stay Compliant Without Headaches

Start by creating a compliance checklist. List every product, note the applicable standards, and assign a person to handle the risk assessment. Use accredited labs for testing – they provide the certificates you’ll need in your technical file.

Keep your documentation digital and backed up. Many companies use a cloud‑based product‑lifecycle system that flags when a file is missing or outdated. This saves time during inspections and makes updates painless.

Don’t forget post‑market surveillance. Once a product is sold, monitor customer feedback and incident reports. If a problem pops up, you must act quickly: issue a warning, recall if necessary, and report the incident to the German market surveillance authority.

Finally, train your staff. Everyone from design engineers to sales reps should know the basics of ProstSchG. A short workshop can prevent costly mistakes down the line.

Bottom line: ProstSchG isn’t just a legal hurdle; it’s a trust builder. By following the risk‑assessment steps, keeping solid documentation, and staying alert after sales, you protect customers and keep your business running smoothly. Need a quick start? Download a template risk‑assessment form, set up a shared folder for technical files, and schedule a compliance audit within the next month. That’s all you need to get on the right side of German product safety law.