RAPEX, the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products, has published its annual report.
Nearly 2500 products were withdrawn from markets in 2014. 31 countries - besides the 28 EU Member States also Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - take part in RAPEX. When a product turns out to be dangerous, the respective information is submitted via the system and so called follow-up measures are taken. Customs can stop those products from entering the European market. If the products are already available in Europe, the authorities can ban them from sale, withdraw them from markets and recall them from consumers. According to the report, 2755 of such measures were taken in 2014. In a press release, the EU Commission points out the improved cooperation between the participating countries, which explains the steady increase of follow-up actions.
The product categories affected most were toys (28%) and clothing, textiles and fashion items (23%) with chemical risks and risks of injury as well as choking being the most common reasons. In general, RAPEX covers non-food products for consumers and professionals. Medical devices and pharmaceuticals are excluded. The spectrum ranges from shoes to cosmetica up to cars. Besides the already mentioned frontrunners, electrical appliances and equipment (9%), motor vehicles (8%), childcare articles and children's equipment (3%) as well as lighting equipment (3%) made it to the top five of the products noted most in 2014.
China holds a special position among the countries of origin. 64% of all notified goods came from China. The EU Commission cooperates with the Chinese authorities in order to ensure that dangerous products are being detected before they enter the European market. The authorities in charge (AQSIQ) present a quarterly report to the Commission regarding the respective follow-up measures undertaken. Nevertheless, the amount of RAPEX notifications with regard to Chinese products has been stable for years. China is, besides the US, the most important trading partner of the EU and therefore the steady flow of goods is rather high. After China, the EU Member States, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland are with 14% the most affected countries of origin.
Please find the complete report as well as further statistics here: RAPEX Report 2014
