ADVERTISING
Review shows: More than 95 percent of the tested items have defects.
As the Darmstadt Regional Council reports, serious security deficiencies have been discovered during its annual monitoring of online commerce. The Regional Council examines several thousand products sold via major online platforms. The result: Over 95 percent of the items inspected exhibit formal or security-related flaws.
Dangerous products in circulation
Examples range from a children's lamp without European approval, whose socket can cause an electric shock even when switched off, to toys posing a strangulation hazard, and a bicycle helmet that can be easily crushed. These cases illustrate the risks of inadequately tested products from online retailers.
Information for consumers
The RP advises consumers to carefully check online offers before purchasing to ensure they contain all necessary information. This includes clearly identifiable product details, warnings and safety instructions, and age ratings for toys. If this information is missing, it is often likely that European consumer protection requirements are not met.
It is also important to know who the product comes from and where to turn in case of damage. Information about the manufacturer's name and address, as well as that of an authorized representative based in the EU, must be clearly visible in the online offer.
Regional President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt emphasizes that the market surveillance department of the Regional Council is in daily operation to minimize risks and ensure the protection of consumers.
What to look out for when buying online
- Check information about the seller or manufacturer
- Check the existence of an EU representative
- Please note mandatory information such as safety instructions, product identification and age rating.
- Beware of counterfeit seals and purchased reviews, including "CE" markings.
Helpful sources of information
- Fake shop finder of the Hessian Consumer Center
- EU databases on unsafe products
- EU Commission's Consumer Safety Gateway
Background on market surveillance
New technical products and chemicals enter the market daily within the European Economic Area. Many product categories – including toys, electrical household appliances, machinery, and chemical substances – are subject to detailed regulations regarding safety, labeling, and information requirements. Protecting the public from hazardous products is a top priority for market surveillance authorities.
Featured image: RP expert Michael Schäfer gives tips to consumers in a television interview. Photo: RP Darmstadt
