EU NEWS
EU steps up dangerous product monitoring
In 2012 Member States sharply increased the number measures taken to help remove dangerous non-food products from the market, according to new European Commission fi gures. A total of 2,278 measures were taken and reported in the EU’s rapid alert system (RAPEX), representing a 26% increase from 2011. The rise can be attributed to improved enforcement work carried out by the authorities in EU countries, according to the Commission. RAPEX is the EU’s rapid alert system between Member States and the Commission on non-food products. Its role is to spread information quickly on potentially dangerous consumer products. This allows for earlier identifi cation and earlier removal from EU markets of products that could pose a risk to consumers, such as children’s clothing, textiles and electrical appliances which do not meet safety standards.
Despite this increase in reporting, European consumer organisation BEUC believes the EU could do more to remove dangerous products from market. Monique Goyens, director general of BEUC, said: “The alert system RAPEX is key in enabling swift action when a risky product appears on the market. But the recurring high numbers are a disconcerting reminder that too
many risky goods still reach the shelves of our shops. Monitoring authorities
just aren’t managing to stop the fl ow of hazardous items.”
“Governments should quickly agree on European Commission plans for better cooperation at EU level and more eff ective controls,” she added. In 2012, clothing, textiles and fashion
items (34%), followed by toys (19%), were the main product categories for which corrective measures had to be taken. Among the most frequently notifi ed risks caused by these products were chemical risks, risk of strangulation and risk of injury.
Risks of injuries and strangulation
are often identifi ed in children’s clothing with drawstrings and cords, for example in swimwear. Other examples of products – banned in the EU in 2012 – include a skin lightening product which contained hydroquinone (its use is prohibited in cosmetics and personal hygiene products) and a plastic doll containing 38.5% by weight of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) posing a chemical risk. Businesses should ensure that these well-known risks are taken into account before production, argues the Commission.
China still represents the number one country of origin in the alert system. Last year, 58% of the total number of notifi cations on products presenting a serious risk, were related to products coming from China. To improve this situation, the EU is working bilaterally with China on the exchange of information between the authorities and communication activities. The EU and China will soon release a series of videos targeting Chinese manufacturers and European importers, providing product safety information.
● 34% Clothing, textiles and fashion items ● 19% Toys ● 11% Electrical appliances and equipment ● 8% Motor vehicles ● 4% Cosmetics ● 14% Other
Notifi cations by country of origin of the notifi ed product
Unknown Other
EU-27 and EEA countries
China
including Hong Kong
5 most frequently notifi ed product categories in 2012
Other Motor vehicles
Clothing, textiles and fashion items
Toys
● 58% China including Hong Kong ● 17% EU-27 and EEA countries ● 14% Other ● 11% Unknown
16 RETAIL ENVIRONMENT | JUNE 2013
Electrical
appliances and equipment
Cosmetics
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