Market Surveillance Operations

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How Market Surveillance Operations are Initiated

Market surveillance inspections and enforcement activities may be initiated through various sources of information and intelligence, including:

• Previous surveillance and enforcement operations
• Consumer complaints
• Reports from regulatory and enforcement agencies
• Information from whistleblowers and informers
• Consumer protection organizations
• Media reports and press alerts
• Product testing results
• International alerts and notifications
• Import declarations
• Expired certification permits
• Market intelligence and risk analysis

UNBS investigates all credible reports and takes appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

Consumers and stakeholders may report suspected substandard products or submit complaints through the official UNBS complaints platform.

 

Categories of Market Surveillance Activities

Market surveillance activities are generally categorized into two approaches:

1. Proactive Market Surveillance

Proactive surveillance involves planned and risk-based activities aimed at preventing non-compliant products from reaching consumers.

These activities may be based on:

• Previous field inspection reports
• Annual surveillance work plans
• Laboratory test results
• Market intelligence and data analysis
• Changes in laws, regulations, or standards
• Sector risk assessments

Proactive surveillance enables UNBS to identify high-risk products and sectors before harm occurs.

2. Reactive Market Surveillance

Reactive surveillance is initiated in response to specific complaints, alerts, or incidents involving potentially dangerous or non-compliant products.

Triggers for reactive surveillance may include:

• Consumer complaints
• Notifications from regulatory authorities
• Media investigations and reports
• International product alerts
• Whistleblower reports
• Imports monitoring
• Public tip-offs
• Press alerts
• Expired certification permits

Because these investigations are triggered by external events, they are often urgent and cannot be planned in advance.

All reported cases are investigated, appropriate action is taken where necessary, and feedback is provided to the relevant stakeholders.

 

Why Market Surveillance Matters

Market surveillance helps to:

• Protect consumers from unsafe products
• Promote fair competition in the marketplace
• Prevent the circulation of substandard goods
• Enhance confidence in certified products
• Support compliant manufacturers and importers
• Protect public health, safety, and the environment