July 2009 (09NB-204)

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has released statistics for May 2009 on notifications of unsafe consumer products (including electrical and electronic products) that have been processed through the EU’s rapid information system (RAPEX).

For the month, the Commission reported 150 notifications of unsafe products, a 6% increase over the 142 notifications received in May 2008. Of these, 129 notifications (86%) were identified as posing a “serious risk” to consumers.

Of the 150 notifications, 14% were related to electrical appliances, with another 2% related to lighting equipment, and 2% for communication and media equipment. Twenty-three of the 150 notifications (15%) were related to risk of electrical shock.

Regarding the country of origin identified in connection with unsafe products, more than half of all notifications (63%) were related to products originating from China. Of the remaining notifications, 21% were related to products originating in either EU or EEA (European Economic Area) countries.

For the first five months of 2009, there were 847 notifications of unsafe products, compared with just 762 during the comparable period in 2008.

The complete text of the Commission’s May 2009 report on RAPEX statistics is available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/docs/stats05-06-2009.pdf

Bureau Veritas Assistance
Bureau Veritas can help manufacturers identify the regulatory barriers and target markets for your products to develop a rationalized Electrical Safety Compliance plan that prevents the need for retesting a product for each market. With the appropriate testing and certification, your company will be able to sell, manufacture, or distribute your product in any country with confidence in its safety. Read More...

If you have any questions, please contact your customer service representative or email: electricalmail@bureauveritas.com.

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