Two thirds of products bought on online sales platforms do not comply with EU product safety legislation, with possible fatal consequences: electric shock, fire or suffocation, according to a study published on Monday 24 February by the European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC).
Six of its member organisations tested 250 electrical appliances, toys, cosmetics and other products purchased on platforms such as Amazon, AliExpress, eBay and Wish.
These include USB chargers and travel adapters, which failed the electrical safety test, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which do not work. Out of 29 toys tested for phthalates, 9 violated the limits, and out of 16 children’s clothing with long cords, 14 were either too long or present in places where they are not allowed.
“It’s time the EU makes online marketplaces liable for dangerous products sold on their sites, and that authorities place them under greater scrutiny. This should make marketplaces more cautious in the future and would prevent consumers from being exposed to unsafe products in the first place”, commented BEUC Director Monique Goyens.
For the time being, the Commission is inviting online sales platforms to sign a voluntary commitment on product safety (see EUROPE 12415/3). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)