RAPEX was created in 2005 as a means to easily and quickly inform consumers, sellers and general EU/EFTA/EEA markets of dangerous, non compliant products, and to issue protective measures such as product recalls and ban on sales. 

RAPEX alerts can be created by national bodies after an investigation has occurred and the product has been found to be non compliant. It also allows for manufacturers and distributors to voluntarily submit recalls if a problem with their product has been detected.

Below is a video from the EU commission on what RAPEX is for; Keeping Consumers Safe.