RAPEX Report: November 2018

Published 18th December 2018

RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers. RAPEX covers both measures ordered by national authorities and measures taken voluntarily by producers and distributors.

Since its implementation, the number of notifications disseminated through RAPEX has grown significantly. This achievement for the safety of Europe’s consumers is the result of shared efforts and efficient cooperation between all the national authorities and the European Commission.

Over recent months we have seen a number of products through RAPEX reports which are highlighted as ‘chemical risks’ due to the presence of harmful substances such as phthalates, dimethylfumarate (DMFu), Chrome VI and lead.

November Statistics:

  • In November 2018, there were 198 alerts raised
  • 89% of all notifications received were deemed to be “serious risk”
  • In addition to this, it is interesting to note that the clothing, textile and fashion industry accounted for 11% of all notifications
  • The notifications validated in November 2018 covered a number of different chemical risks including phthalates, nitrosamines, azo dyes, preservatives, toluene, lead, cadmium and boron

Chemical failures do occur, resulting in products potentially being withdrawn from the market, recalled from end users and rejected at the border; impacting manufacturers and retailers in terms of cost and reputation.

Chemical testing for harmful substances within a robust chemical management system is the only way to confirm compliance. Here at Eurofins | BLC, we have seen firsthand the levels of harmful substances that can be found in consumer goods, and understand the implications that this can have.

Do you need help with managing chemistry?

Chem-MAP® is a ZDHC approved chemical management and verification system which is fully aligned with ZDHC objectives and can provide ZDHC Conformance Level 1 & 3 and offers chemical management solutions for chemical companies, manufacturers of materials and brands and retailers. So, if you have concerns about chemical risks within your products why not use the Chem-MAP® chemical management and verification systems to investigate your whole supply chain in order to eliminate the risk of non-compliance.

If you would like to find out more about Chem-MAP® or would like to contact someone today please email info@chem-map.com or call +44(0)1604 679999.

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