The European Union raised the red flag in 2023, issuing a record-breaking 4,137 alerts for dangerous non-food consumer products — nearly double the number from the previous year. At the heart of this spike? A surge in online shopping and a flood of questionable imports, especially from China.
Unveiled on April 16 by European Commissioner for Consumer Protection Michael McGrath, the EU’s latest Safety Gate report painted a stark picture of the mounting risks EU consumers face. With e-commerce platforms booming, McGrath didn’t mince words.
“Too many products online are cutting corners and ignoring the rules — it’s not just dangerous, it’s unfair to businesses that actually follow the law,” he said.
Among the most alarming examples showcased: a hazardous power adapter that could jolt users with electric shocks, a children’s doll laced with toxic plasticizers, and a pair of swim trunks for kids with strings so long they posed a strangulation hazard.
Cosmetics led the charge in flagged goods, making up over a third of the total alerts. Many were found to contain BMHCA — a banned chemical linked to reproductive health issues and skin irritation. Toys, electronics, vehicles, and chemical-laden products also made frequent appearances on the blacklist.
Nearly half the alerts were due to chemical risks — think heavy metals in jewelry, allergy-triggering fragrances in skin products, and plastic-softening agents in clothing.
Despite fresh EU rules tightening the screws on online retailers like Shein and Temu — including a push to scrap the tax-free status of cheap imports under €150 — 40% of the flagged products still came from China. And with the U.S. ramping up tariffs, there are growing concerns that Europe may become the next dumping ground for low-cost, low-safety goods from Chinese manufacturers.
China, meanwhile, pushed back. Its Chamber of Commerce to the EU urged media outlets not to “politicize” the issue and called for collaborative efforts to raise safety standards.
But Brussels may be gearing up for a stronger hand. While EU member states currently enforce consumer safety laws individually, McGrath hinted at a possible shift.
“For persistent, cross-border violations, it may be time for the Commission to take direct enforcement action,” he said, adding that he’s leaning toward proposing new powers for centralized oversight.
Whether or not that proposal materializes, one thing’s clear: Europe’s tolerance for unsafe goods — no matter where they come from — is wearing thin.
