In August, 575 dangerous products were added to the Safety Gate of the European Union, a figure that far exceeds previous monthly reports. Through the information portal, formerly known as the RAPEX system, the market surveillance authorities of member states inform each other about dangerous products.
When a product is reported in one member state, authorities in the other member states regularly take corresponding measures and also issue sales bans or product recalls for the affected products.
In August, almost 60% of the reports were related to the cosmetics product group (49.1%), followed by toys (8.3%) and electrical products, including lighting and string lights (7.3%). There were also relatively high figures for electronic cigarettes, with a total of 31 products being removed from the market.
Italy topped the list of countries of origin in August, with a total of 170 reports, followed by China with 150 flagged products. For 73 products, the country of origin was unknown.
Italy was also the country that submitted the most reports to the Safety Gate. Italian market surveillance authorities reported a staggering 294 products, accounting for 62% of all reports. Among these, 267 were cosmetics, an area on which Italian authorities have been focusing for several months.
One in five products (20.5%) must be recalled by the responsible manufacturers, importers, or distributors. In August, 12.3% of the dangerous products were sold online.
Even with medium-sized shipments, sales bans can quickly lead to revenue losses of several hundred thousand euros. In addition, there may be costs for product adjustments, relabeling actions, or penalty payments to customers.
A study by Allianz also shows that the costs for recalls of electrical devices or toys can range between €650,000 and €1,000,000. In addition to the enormous financial burden, there is a risk that the reputation of manufacturers, importers, or retailers could be severely damaged in the long term.
By implementing effective compliance strategies, companies can significantly reduce the likelihood of product or labeling errors and identify potential risks early on. Comprehensive documentation not only provides proof of compliance but also enables a quick and efficient response in the event of recalls or import delays.
Regular spot checks ensure that products are continuously monitored for compliance with applicable standards. We strongly advise our clients to actively invest in their compliance strategies. This is the only way they can protect themselves from the serious consequences that may arise from non-compliant products.
Kosmetika führen die Rangliste der gemeldeten Produkte schon seit mehreren Monaten an. Dies ist insofern überraschend, da der Grund für die Verkaufsverbote oder die Ablehnung an der Grenze seit Monaten identisch ist. Wie in den Vormonaten enthielten nahezu alle gemeldeten Produkte (336 = 98,8%) lt. den jeweiligen Zutatenlisten das Produkt 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) Propionaldehyd (BMHCA), was in kosmetischen Mitteln verboten ist. BMHCA kann das Fortpflanzungssystem schädigen, die Gesundheit des ungeborenen Kindes schädigen und die Haut sensibilisieren.
Warum die verantwortlichen Hersteller das Produkt und die Verpackungsgestaltung nicht seit Monaten angepasst haben, erschließt sich nicht wirklich. Dies vor allem auch deshalb, weil nicht nur kleinere Produzenten oder Marken hiervon betroffen sind, sondern regelmäßig auch die Key Player der Branche mit ihren weltweit bekannten Marken.
Brands such as Adidas, Dove, Garnier, Nivea, and Palmolive alone had a total of 57 flagged products, accounting for nearly 17% of the critical products. Since BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products under Regulation (EU) 2021/1902 since March 1, 2022, this should be known to the companies concerned.
Incidentally, 170 of the dangerous products originated from Italy, and the origin of 36 products could not be determined.
Fig. 1: Prohibited eau de toilette of the Adidas brand
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10014148?lang=de, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
Fig. 2: Prohibited shaving foam of the Palmolive brand
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10013174?lang=de, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
Fig. 3: Prohibited sunscreen of the Nivea brand
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10012992, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
In August, 48 dangerous toys were again added to the Safety Gate, primarily by Czech, Austrian, and Hungarian market surveillance authorities. 42 of the flagged products originated from China (87.5%), and 7 products must be recalled.
The main risk categories were choking (35.4%), chemicals (33.3%), injuries (12.5%), and burns (10.4%).
In the area of chemical products, a total of 31 electronic cigarettes were subjected to sales bans, including 15 from the brand VBON alone. Italian market surveillance authorities were particularly active in this sector, investigating and reporting 26 of the dangerous products. 27 of the products originated from China.
One rechargeable electronic cigarette, shaped like a children’s toy, contained 2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-Trimethylbutyramide, which is harmful if swallowed, as well as 4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethylfuran-2(3H)-one and Methylcinnamate, which are skin-sensitizing fragrances.
Additionally, the product resembles a toy and features images, scents, and inscriptions related to food that could be perceived by children as drinks. The aerosols released when the liquid is heated can pose health risks to children.
The product did not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and must be withdrawn from the market as per Bulgarian authorities’ regulations.
Fig. 4: Electronic cigarette with violation of general product safety
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10013940, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
In 30 of the reported electronic cigarettes, Italian authorities found excessively high concentration levels. One product from the brand VBON had an excessive amount of nicotine-containing liquid (measured at 15 ml), which contained an excessively high nicotine concentration (measured at 54 mg/ml). This can lead to the accidental consumption of a high dose of nicotine. Nicotine is acutely toxic and can pose a safety risk to the user, especially if the product comes into contact with the skin or is ingested.
The other products showed similar or even higher levels, thus violating the requirements of the Tobacco Products Directive.
Fig. 5: Electronic cigarette with excessive nicotine concentrations
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10012821?lang=de, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
The Hungarian market surveillance authorities reported 13 dangerous string lights in August, 12 of which originated from China. In one product, the cable was not properly anchored, and the accessible wires had inadequate insulation. Additionally, the product was not protected against moisture, despite being recommended for outdoor use. Water could penetrate the product, or the user could touch live parts, resulting in an electric shock.
In another product, the structure of the cable extension socket allowed for one-pole insertion of plugs. Furthermore, the dimensions of the connector plug and socket did not meet specifications, which also posed a risk of electric shock to the user.
None of the products met the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive and the European standard EN 60598. All products must be recalled from consumers by the distributors.
Fig. 6: Fairy lights with risk of electric shock
Source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10014165?lang=de, date: 3 September 2024, language: German
Do you distribute cosmetics, e-cigarettes, or string lights?
How confident are you that all risks associated with your products have been fully considered?
How do you ensure that you are aware of and comply with the latest standards?
Have you created a risk analysis for all your products that you could provide to authorities upon request?
Do all your suppliers know the requirements of the REACH or CLP regulations and the relevant harmonized European standards?
Do you have complete technical documentation for all your products, as required by the new Product Safety Regulation?
Do you have meaningful tests and documents from your suppliers regarding the chemical and electrical components of your products?
How well are you prepared for a product recall, and do you have a product recall management system in place?
If you see a need for action here, we are happy to assist you in identifying potential risks and avoiding additional costs from dangerous products.
We support you in establishing an appropriate risk management system and guide you through the conformity assessment process, including the creation of technical documentation, risk analysis, and the EU Declaration of Conformity.
