Increasing Alerts for Dangerous Products

The European Commission has issued a warning regarding a significant uptick in reports of unsafe products entering the European Union, predominantly from China. In a recent statement, the commission revealed that last year saw over 4,000 alerts for hazardous items, marking the highest number since the establishment of the EU’s alert system in 2003.

Cosmetics Lead in Safety Violations

According to the commission, cosmetics represented 36% of these dangerous products. The primary safety concern identified was the presence of harmful chemicals, specifically a synthetic compound known as BMHCA, which is prohibited in the EU due to its detrimental effects on the reproductive system.

Import Sources and Regulatory Challenges

A striking 40% of the unsafe products flagged in the report originated from China. This revelation coincides with the EU’s ongoing efforts to address the influx of inexpensive goods sold via platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace. In 2022, European consumers received over 4 billion low-value packages, the vast majority of which were shipped directly from China, often without thorough inspection because they are exempt from customs duties.

Proposed Regulatory Reforms

In response to these alarming trends, the commission proposed new regulations in February that would hold e-commerce firms accountable for the sale of perilous or illegal items on their platforms. Additionally, the proposal includes abolishing the current exemption from customs duties for products valued under €150 and establishing a dedicated EU customs authority.

Your Protection is Our Priority

Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of the alert system, stating, “This system enables us to swiftly address the risks posed by dangerous goods across the EU.”

Diverse Range of Unsafe Products

The report also identified instances of dangerous chemicals in various product categories, including:

• Vape liquids
• Clothing
• Jewelry
• Toys
• Electrical appliances
• Motor vehicles

Country-specific Findings

Italy recorded the highest number of alerts for dangerous products and was also identified as the third largest source of these items, contributing to 16% of the alerts. Furthermore, products from other European Economic Area countries accounted for 24% of all warnings issued.