European product compliance is a complex thing. If a country is a member of the EU, there are specific consumer product regulations governing all members of the European Union.
In addition, many European countries have their own rules and regulations governing children’s products and other consumer products.
Most of the information in this article about children’s product recalls in Europe and other types of product recalls comes from Sedgwick’s annual report on product recalls specifically in the UK and the EU. Sedgwick is generally considered the industry leader in writing these recall summaries, which are issued in a press release and quotes by major news outlets.
General and children’s product recalls in Europe broke new records in 2023
For the fifth consecutive consecutive year, European product recalls broke new records. There was and 18.5% overall increase in product recalls, including a 50% increase in consumer product recalls.
Highlights relevant to baby carrier and children’s product recalls in Europe in 2023
- In the first half of 2023, children’s product recalls in Europe, including toys and childcare items, made up 21% of all product recalls.
- A total of 20 baby carriers were recalled in Europe during 2023, according to the Safety Gate Alert website (full details of those recalls later in this article)
- In the first half of 2023, Italy issued the greatest number of product recalls in Europe, representing 22% of the total
Trends and predictions for children’s product recalls in Europe and other product recalls in 2023/2024
New product safety regulations have been introduced in Europe, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and and updated general product safety standard. This is expected to influence recalls in the coming year.
In line with the global trend, Europe is making an increased effort to enforce existing product safety regulations as well as to enforce anticompetitive behavior.
“2024 is shaping up to be a busy year for regulatory activity, and industry stakeholders can expect to see more regulator and consumer scrutiny of product safety and the practices of businesses throughout the entire product lifecycle. Amidst a complicated risk landscape rife with evolving challenges, businesses should take time to create a strategic and well-practiced plan for addressing product recalls and in-market challenges.”
Chris Occleshaw, International Product Recall Consultant at Sedgwick
More reading
Read the press release from Sedgwick.
Visit Qima to find monthly analyses of product recalls as well as a summary of recall activity in the first half of the year.
Visit the Safety Gate Alerts website to view product recalls.
Read our blog post about Children’s Product Recalls in the US.
Read our blog post about Children’s Product Recalls in Canada.
