Fake Labubus and Co. - More Product Warnings in the EU - EU warns of surging unsafe products as China-linked alerts hit 43% in 2025
The European Commission reported a sharp rise in unsafe consumer products in 2025. Alerts increased by 13 percent compared to the previous year, with nearly half of problematic goods coming from China. Cosmetics, toys, and electrical items topped the list of dangerous products across Europe.
The number of safety notifications has doubled since 2022, excluding pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, and animal feed. Nearly 43 percent of flagged products originated from China, with toys and electronics showing particularly high risks. Tests revealed that 84 percent of sampled toys and electrical items failed safety standards, most of them from Chinese suppliers.
One notable case involved counterfeit Labubus plush toys, whose detachable feet posed a choking hazard for young children. In Germany, motor vehicles accounted for about half of all domestic alerts, though notifications remained steady. However, authorities took far more follow-up actions than in previous years.
EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection Michael McGrath highlighted the need for stronger import controls. He announced plans for closer cooperation with China and expanded training for customs and market surveillance teams. No new EU-wide measures were introduced in 2025, but existing joint checks exposed widespread non-compliance.
The surge in alerts points to ongoing challenges with unsafe imports, particularly from China. Authorities in Germany and across the EU have intensified enforcement, though no specific new regulations were adopted. Cooperation with Chinese suppliers and stricter training for inspectors remain key priorities for improving product safety.
