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Follow on Google News |  Increased RAPEX Alerts in 2012RAPEX, the EU’s rapid alert system for reporting and monitoring dangerous non-food products, saw a 26% rise in reporting in 2012. A total of 2,278 measures were taken by EU member states against dangerous products.
By: SGS SA - Consumer Testing Services Which Consumer Products are Posing Risks? 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 notified risks caused by these products were chemical risks (18%), risk of strangulation (17%) and risk of injury (25%). Risks of injuries and strangulation are often identified in children’s clothing with drawstrings and cords, e.g. 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. Where are Most Notified Products Coming From? China still represents the number one country of origin in the alert system. Last year, 58% of the total number of notifications 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 on communication activities. The EU and China will soon release a series of videos aimed at Chinese manufacturers and European importers, providing product safety information. RAPEX 2012 in Numbers - 2,278 notifications. - 30 participating countries (EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) - 5 most frequently notified product categories in 2012: 1) 34% Clothing, textiles and fashion items 2) 19% Toys 3) 11% Electrical appliances and equipment 4) 8% Motor vehicles 5) 4% Cosmetics - Notifications by country of origin of the notified product: 1) 58% China including Hong Kong 2) 17% EU-27 and EEA countries 3) 11% unknown 4) 14% other About RAPEX RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system between member states and the Commission for non-food products. Its role is to disseminate information on potentially dangerous products quickly and effectively. This results in quicker identification and faster removal from EU markets of products, such as children’s clothing, textiles, toys, cosmetics and electrical appliances, which do not meet the required standards for safety. About SGS Consumer Testing Services With a reputation for excellence in inspection, testing, certification and verification, SGS helps you to reduce risk, improve efficiency and ensure compliance with contractual or regulatory requirements throughout your supply chain. More importantly, SGS can help you gain a competitive edge and develop products, processes and supply chains that deliver consumer goods that really are as good as you say they are. For further information on SGS consumer testing services please visit SGS Consumer Goods and Retail (http://www.sgs.com/ Contact details: SGS Consumer Testing Services Jennifer Buckley Global Food Marketing Manager 291 Fairfield Ave Fairfield, NJ 07004 USA t: +1 973 461 1498 Email: cts.media@sgs.com Website: http://www.sgs.com/ SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world. Contact cts.media@sgs.com End
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