Press Release: Consumers: Commission publishes 2006 Annual Report on dangerous consumer products

Improved EU-wide cooperation between customs authorities has led to an increase in the number of dangerous consumer products - from teddy bears to hairdryers, cleaning sprays, mini-motorbikes, cigarette lighters and ski boot bindings - removed from the EU market in 2006. The Annual (RAPEX) Report on dangerous consumer products published on 19 April 2007 by the European Commission shows that toys took over from electrical appliances as the product category most often notified. China was indicated as the country of origin in almost half of all cases notified (440 notifications, 48%). In total, restrictive measures concerning 924 dangerous products were reported through RAPEX last year, compared to 701 in 2005 - representing a 32% increase. Through RAPEX, the Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products, national authorities notify the Commission of products presenting a serious risk for the health and safety of consumers, with the exception of food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This information is rapidly shared among all other surveillance authorities in 30 European countries, and dangerous products are then banned or their sale is restricted on the market. The Commission is calling for enhanced participation from all EU Member States, joint efforts with and between national market surveillance and customs authorities, and co-operation with third countries to further increase the effectiveness of the system.

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/07/139 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/139&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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