The UNECE Working Party 6 encourages member States to coordinate their effort to ensure that products on the markets are safe and comply with regulations in force. Through the implementation of its recommendations, particularly Recommendation M on Use of Market Surveillance Infrastructure as a Complementary Means to Protect Consumers and Users against Counterfeit Goods and Recommendation N on Good Market Surveillance Policies and Practices, it actively promotes an approach of market surveillance based on best practice and international standards.
The Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS Group) provides a forum for discussion among all players involved in market surveillance (public authorities, manufacturers, retailers, importers, consumers, etc.). The MARS Group aims to increase transparency and attract attention to the role and responsibilities of public authorities in the chain of control for market surveillance and to identify good practices and methods for ensuring the fulfilment of legitimate objectives (such as protection of public health, faire competition, etc.).
During this meeting, the MARS Group highlighted an exchange of experience in the area of market surveillance in order to identify and bring forward best practices in this field and to further develop the network of global and regional market surveillance entities. Also was highlighted the important role of customs agencies in this area and the efforts to improve controls at the border and application of market access regulations.