Consumer Product Safety in Europe: Results from the 2013 market study November 2013
About IFIA A federation of independent organisations that provide testing, inspection and certification services, internationally Established in 1982 Global membership of 44 testing and inspection companies - A combined turnover of approximately 15 billion and over 230,000 employees - Approximately 40% of membership turnover in Europe, 30% in Asia Pacific, 20% in North America and 10% Rest of World
Overview PURPOSE OF THE SURVEYS WHAT was the purpose? METHODOLOGY HOW was the study executed? TAKEAWAYS WHERE do we go from here?
WHAT was the purpose? Objective To gauge the effectiveness of securing safety of consumer products, comparing self declaration system and 3rd party testing and certification The Two Surveys 2012 - Testing products purchased on the open market that are subject to CE marking via the SDOC route 2013 - Testing products purchased on the open market that are certified by an independent third-party entity 4
METHODOLOGY (for both 2012 and 2013) (1 of 2) HOW the studies were executed The following six product categories were chosen as being representative of imported electrical goods that have: wide market distribution, established safety standards relevant potential of causing harm to consumers a) Battery Chargers/Adapters b) Luminaires (LEDs, classic) c) Hair dryers/curlers d) Room heaters e) Electric Fans f) Toasters, grills and similar Studies executed May-July 2012, and July-Oct 2013 5
METHODOLOGY (2 of 2) HOW the studies were executed Samples were purchased from regular stores, in: Denmark Poland Germany France UK Italy Finland An independent laboratory was selected with the following characteristics: Not connected to any IFIA member Notified Body for Low Voltage Directive Familiar with the product categories Familiar with market surveillance protocols 6
2012 Study Samples with CE Markings only Results Highlights 8% 18% Passed Failed Of the 127 samples submitted, 82% were NOT in compliance with EU standards and regulations 74% Failed dangerous There were 15 instances of safety critical failures which were reported to the local authorities Simpler requirements (marking labels and safety instructions) were not met by more than 50% of products evaluated 7
2013 Products certified by accredited, independent third-party bodies: Results Highlights issues with markings and warnings mechanical issues 25 4 1 critical failure Of the 120 samples submitted, 25% were not in full compliance with EU standards and regulations 90 Products that passed fully There was only 1 instance of safety critical failures which was reported to the certifier, and then to the manufacturer Simpler requirements (marking labels and safety instructions) accounted for the vast majority of the issues 8
9 Summary 2012 Survey Based on selective sampling in Europe - for products where compliance with safety standards is selfdeclared (i.e. NOT reviewed by a third-party): percentage of non-compliant/faulty products averages 82% These products are on the market today, and can be purchased and used by any EU consumer 2013 Survey Based on same selective sampling in Europe - for products where compliance with safety standards is assessed by an accredited, independent third-party): percentage of non-compliant/faulty products averages 25% Of these, the vast majority were issues related to warnings and labels
Why the difference? Safety is not a subject to be taken lightly Our industry takes this very seriously: Technical competence Accreditation of laboratories Research and Development State of the Art safety science Independence and Objectivity Consistency and Dedication 10
Non-compliant products on the market... TUKES (Finnish market inspection authority): in 2011, out of 790 samples surveyed from market, 78% found not in compliance ProSafe (EU professional organization for market surveillance authorities and officers) Joint Actions 2012 results: Lighting Chains: 70,6% not in compliance Sunbeds: 64% with too high radiation (plus other documented defects) Bicycle helmets: 63% not in compliance Transport & Environment campaign group (T&E), March 2013: official fuel consumption cited by car manufacturers is on average almost 25% lower than that achieved in reality EPEE (EU industry association for HVACR manufacturers) indicated, during Parliament hearing May 29 th, 2013, that over 70% of energy labels of white goods are incorrectly reported EMC ADMINISTRATIVE CO-OPERATION WORKING GROUP (4th EMC Market Surveillance Campaign 2011) 82.7% of LED Lighting samples evaluated was NOT in compliance
Counterfeits in Marketplace Internet Retail Stores Flea Markets Survey was run with samples purchased from Retail Stores: data suggests that we need to pay further attention to what is sold over Internet, Flea markets, etc.
13 LEVERAGING DATA TO ENABLE THE RIGHT POLICY SOLUTIONS Consumer Associations, NGOs Manufacturers and Industry Associations Regulators, Inspection Authorities
Thank you International Federation of Inspection Agencies 1 Paternoster Square London EC4M 7DX United Kingdom T: +44 20 7653 1604 F: + 44 20 7236 1977 www.ifia-federation.org