EU records highest number of product safety alerts in over 20 years
Thousands of dangerous non-food products triggered safety alerts across the EU last year, including large numbers of cosmetics containing harmful chemicals, according to new statistics from the European Commission.
In 2025, the Commission recorded nearly 4,700 alerts through its Safety Gate system, which allows national authorities to flag dangerous non-food products. This marks the highest number since the system was launched more than 20 years ago.
Over a third (36%) of the reported products were cosmetics. Nearly 80% of these alerts concerned BMHCA, a synthetic fragrance banned in the EU since 2022. The substance can cause skin irritation, affect fertility, and pose risks to unborn children.
For the first time, national authorities also reported cases of nail polish containing TPO, a chemical banned in 2025 because it can harm prenatal health and trigger allergic reactions.
Apart from cosmetics, toys (16%) and electrical appliances (11%) accounted for a large share of alerts.
Danger from China
The EU Commissioner responsible for consumer protection, Michael McGrath, linked the increase to the growing number of products bought online. He noted that three-quarters of dangerous products originate outside the EU, with many of them – 43% of all reported items – coming from China.
McGrath said the Safety Gate system allows authorities to quickly share warnings and coordinate action, such as restricting or banning sales. “The Commission verifies the alert and immediately shares it with all responsible authorities,” he said. “A single alert can therefore keep hundreds, and often thousands, of consumers safe.”
Several unsafe toys
To illustrate the risks, McGrath pointed to several unsafe toys, including an inflatable swim seat for young children imported from China and first reported in Austria (see photo). While it may look harmless, he warned, the product can pose a serious drowning risk.
Consumer group BEUC said the figures highlight the need to adapt EU market surveillance rules to the rise of e-commerce. “To truly protect consumers, marketplaces must be held accountable and ultimately become liable if no one else ensures product safety,” said Agustín Reyna, director general of BEUC.