Non compliant products on the EU market | RAPEX weekly Report 27 October 2018

According to the report of European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products, last week several products have been found non compliant with EU legislation. This included:

(*) Cat key-ring (Kat). The product contains DEHP (measured value: up to 20.0% by weight). This phthalate may harm the health of children, causing possible damage to the reproductive system. Furthermore, the amount of nickel released from the product is too high (measured value up to 3.55 µg/cm²/week). Nickel is a strong sensitiser and can cause allergic reactions if present in articles that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. Measures taken by economic operators: Withdrawal of the product from the market (By: Distributor).

(*) Chipboard/Wooden panel (Brand: Unknown) The chipboard releases higher levels of Formaldehyde into indoor air than declared by the manufacturer in the declaration of performance. If not used as an installation plate covered by flooring, or without a sufficient diffusion retardant coverage, the formaldehyde concentration in the indoor air might be too high. This can cause eye and respiratory irritation, nausea or insomnia. In addition, it is toxic if inhaled and may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the Construction Products Regulation. Measures taken by economic operators: Withdrawal of the product from the market (By: Manufacturer).

(*) Hair dye kit (Brand: Gevemia). The product contains 2-aminophenol. This substance is harmful if swallowed or inhaled and is suspected of causing genetic defects and may cause an allergic skin reaction. The product does not comply with the Cosmetics Regulation. Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Importer): Recall of the product from end users, Withdrawal of the product from the market.

(*) Wristwatch (Brand: Ushuaïa). The product contains lead (measured value: 2% in weight). Lead is harmful to human health as it accumulates in the body and may damage the unborn child.  The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. Measures taken by economic operators: Recall of the product from end users (By: Importer).

(*) Ladies’ leather breeches (Brand: Unknown). The amount of Chromium VI found in the leather is too high (measured value up to 17.5 mg/kg). Chromium (VI) is sensitising and may trigger allergic reactions. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. Measures taken by economic operators: Recall of the product from end users, Withdrawal of the product from the market (By: Distributor)

(*) Toy slime (Brand: kids fun). The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high (measured value up to 5270 mg/kg). Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging the reproductive system. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71-3. Measures taken by economic operators: Recall of the product from end users (By: Retailer)

(*) Women's leather gloves (Brand: Cindy). The amount of Chromium VI in the leather is too high (measured value 10.3 mg/kg). Chromium (VI) is sensitising and may trigger allergic reactions. The product does not comply with the REACH regulation. Measures taken by economic operators: Warning consumers of the risks, Withdrawal of the product from the market (By: Retailer)

(*) Trolley suitcase (it Luggage). The handles contains the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Benzo[a]pyrene (measured value up to 12 mg/kg), Benz[a]anthracene (measured value up to 39 mg/kg), Chrysene and triphenylene (measured value up to: 6.7 mg/kg), Benzo[b]fluorantene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene (measured value up to 7.6 mg/kg) and Dibenz[a,h]anthracene (measured value up to 1.5 mg/kg). These PAHs are carcinogenic. The consumer can be exposed when the product comes into direct and prolonged or repetitive contact with the skin. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Importer): Import rejected at border.

SOURCE: RAPEX Weekly alert