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The Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX)

- Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications -

report 6 - 2008

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No. Ref.	Notifying country	Product (Click on the photo to enlarge)	Danger	Measures adopted by notifying country	*Products were found and measures were taken also in: ()**
1 0175/08	Germany	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Mains adaptor Brand: Neuling Type/number of model: SB 811; serial n°08381. Description: Adaptor for connecting electrical appliances with American plugs to German (European) mains outlets. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because: - live parts can be touched when the mains adaptor has not yet been fully inserted into the socket: - the two pins of the plug are not insulated, and are conductive and exposed along their entire length, - the same fault occurs when an earthing contact plug is inserted into the product; - it is possible to insert safety plugs, thereby disabling the protective conductor function. The upstream circuit breaker does not recognise contact with a current-consuming appliance in the event of a fault. In particular, unreliable plug extensions can be produced; - euro and safety plugs could be improperly inserted (possibility of touching the exposed plug pin, risk of electric shock); - Protection Class I (protective conductor) incorrectly indicated on the packaging and mains electricity incorrectly indicated as 220 volts (should be 230 volts). The product does no comply with the Low Voltage Directive.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor. Recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
2 0176/08	Finland	Category: Furniture Product: Relax chair - Wooden 2-position relax chair Brand: Ellen Type/number of model: EAN 6405422521791 Product number: 300096358, Supplier’s product number: OF210. Description: White or unpainted relax chair. Country of origin: Vietnam	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because: - the backrest and side stretchers have sharp edges, - when lifted from the armrests, the backrest can come out of its stop locations, - the body of chair breaks during the arm impact test. One incident reported. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 581.	Voluntary recall from consumers by the importer.
3 0177/08	Finland	Category: Recreational crafts Product: Inflatable raft - Hydro Force Marine Pro Raft Set Brand: Bestway Type/number of model: Bestway 6501027 (or 65010). Description: An inflatable PVC raft with oars and a wooden backboard. L: 2.7m; W: 1.42m. Country of origin: China	Drowning The product poses a risk of drowning because, even if the boat is inflated correctly, due to a material defect the both of the side air chambers can be ripped and break at the same time causing a "boom"-sound. The raft is being sold together with a wooden board for motor attachment although it is classified as a ”type 1” raft which can only be operated manually, with oars (EN ISO 6185-1). Many customers may install an electric outboard or a petrol engine in their raft as the instructions on motor assembly are not very clear, causing an explosion hazard. One accident reported: a raft exploded while in water overnight. The raft has two separate air chambers on the side tubes, which both had deflated due to a material defect. The product does not comply with the Recreational Craft Directive 2003/44/EC.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and information to consumers by the importer.
4 0178/08	United Kingdom	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Heater - B&Q Airforce 2000W Convection Heater ND20-7AJ Brand: Airforce (B&Q) Type/number of model: 05164837. Description: 2000W Airforce Convection Heater white in colour with black cable, supplied in full retail colour box. Country of origin: China	Fire The product poses a risk of fire because in some instances the product could overheat and possibly catch fire. 8 reported incidents.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
5 0179/08	Germany	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Kettle Brand: IDEEN WELT Type/number of model: FK0202B, black: EAN-4305615811529; cream: EAN-43056158174446; transparent: EAN-4305615811512. Description: Cordless jug kettle in three colours: black, cream and transparent. Country of origin: Unknown	Fire The product poses a risk of fire because under certain circumstances the first bi-metal plate malfunctions, the heating time increases and it can catch fire. Given its position, the second bi-metal plate does not blow until the temperature reaches around 240C°, allowing the plastic of the temperature-limit thermostat to melt into two slots provided. Several fire incidents reported. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers.
6 0180/08	Italy	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Cosmetics resembling various shaped chocolates in shape, colour, appearance, size and scent Brand: CIOCCO THERAPY line Type/number of model: article 07040510; code SUB 243 REP 214, 14- 23177. Description: Separately packaged 25 gram soaps resembling various shaped chocolates. Country of origin: China	Choking This product poses a risk of choking due to its characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead children to put it in their mouths and swallow them, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract. The product does not comply with the Directive 87/357/EEC on the prevention of risk resulting from the use of certain products designed to resemble foodstuffs.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.
7 0181/08	Spain	Category: Machinery Product: Cordless hammer drills/screwdrivers Brand: DeWALT Type/number of model: Dewalt XRP IV 12V-14.4V. The hammer drills/screwdrivers were manufactured between 19 June 2006 and 12 November 2007. Date codes 2006 26 to 2007 45. The hammer drills/screwdrivers affected were sold in kits. The affected drills are model numbers DC935, DC940 and DC945. The date codes of the kits are as indicated above. The model number of the drill/driver can be found on the face of the nameplate, which is located on the right side of the drill/driver. The date code on the drill/drivers can be found on the underside of the foot of the unit where the battery is inserted (first 6 digits). For unpacked products, both the kit catalogue numbers and the date codes can be found on the bottom left underside of the cardboard sleeve. The date codes are the same as set out above, and the kit catalogue numbers begin either DC935, DC940 or DC945. Description: The products are cordless hammer drills/screwdrivers. Country of origin: Czech Republic	Fire This product poses a risk of fire because the switch on the drills may overheat. There have been a few reports of incidents of switches overheating, but there have been no reports of injuries as a result of such overheating.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the producer.
8 0182/08	Belgium	Category: Cosmetics Product: Toothpaste - Dental Doctor - Natural Mint Fragrance - Toothpaste - Fresh Confidence - Maximum Cavity Protection Brand: Colgret – Dulibang Xiamen, China. Type/number of model: 20/12/04 mfg date, Bar code: 6933395088268. Description: Green cardboard box containing a tube of toothpaste. Text on box: “Triple efficacies brought by Dental Doctor: - Preventing decayed teeth, - Puritying and freshening oral smell, - beautifying and whitening tooth”, “Whiter Teeth Fresher Breath”, “… and leaves a layer of protection, making your teeth stronger and healthier.”, “…containing Advanced Technology, helps eliminate the bacteria that cause cavities…”, “New Dulibang 2 Cavity fighter with its rich, active Cavi-Stop foam…”, “- expiry date: 3 years from production date. See end of tube for production date, - Manufacture Administer Criteria: GB8372-2001,- net weight 125ml”, “Active Ingredients: 0.32% Sodium Fluoride (1450ppm of Fluoride). Other Ingredients: Sorbitol, Water,Silica , PEG-32, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Mix of Flavours, Titanium Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Triclosan, CI 16036”. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because: - it contains diethylene glycol (DEG) (1.64%), which may constitute a risk to the consumer, - the colouring CI 16036 (see ingredients) is not in the list of colourings approved for cosmetic products under the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor and destruction of the products.
9 0183/08	Belgium	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Three-wheeled motorbike - Spyder GS Brand: Can-Am Type/number of model: 2008 year models, A18G/A18H/A18K/A18M. Description: Can-Am Syder Roadster, available in yellow or grey. Country of origin: Canada No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because one or two brake-fluid reservoir caps may be defective and there may be too much air in the service brake system, which can adversely affect braking performance. Incidents due to a loss of pressure in the brake pedal before setting off have been reported.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.
10 0184/08	Germany	Category: Stationery Product: 24 felt-tip pens Brand: Tip Top Type/number of model: Article No 66624; 3546009111000000100; season: 206; WGR: 911; order No: 2354600. Description: 24 differently coloured felt-tip pens, body and top in the relevant colour, black end cap. Country of origin: Unknown	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the individual felt-tips (e.g. pink, olive-grey, grey, green, blue, light blue, dark mauve, dark grey-brown) contain excessive levels of benzene: up to 101.7 mg/kg (limit value of 5 mg/kg).	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and information to consumers.
11 0185/08	Italy	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Cosmetics resembling various shaped chocolates in shape, colour, appearance, size and scent Brand: CIOCCO THERAPY line Type/number of model: article 07040510 Description: Pink bath salts, named “sweet delight – chocolate caramel – bath soak”, packaged in a 250-gram transparent plastic jar, with the shape and appearance of crushed sweets. Country of origin: China	Choking This product poses a risk of choking because due to its characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead children to put it in their mouths and swallow them, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract. The product does not comply with the Directive 87/357/EEC on the prevention of risk resulting from the use of certain products designed to resemble foodstuffs.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.
12 0186/08	Finland	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Wall luminaire Brand: Elman 8695 and Elman 8693 Type/number of model: - Type1: KH209E EAN: 6 417536 086936, - Type2: KH209C EAN: 6 417536 086950. Description: Wall luminaire with LEDs, surface mounted. Country of origin: Unknown	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because there is not sufficient electrical insulation between the circuit connected to the mains and the part that can be touched. - KH209E: The creepage distance between the connector of the switch and the actuator of the switch is less than 6.5 mm; measured 1.1mm. - KH209C: The creepage between the live terminal of the switch and the unearthed metal actuator of the switch is less than 6.5 mm; measured 1.1 mm. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60598.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
13 0187/08	Germany	Category: Toys Product: Joke item - PUSTI Zigaretten Brand: PUSTI Type/number of model: 11320, 11321, 11325 Description: Imitation glowing cigarettes, which are supposed to emit smoke when blown into. Country of origin: China	Health risk The product poses a health risk because when inhalation of the fine powder causes it to be absorbed directly into the lungs, it can lead to respiratory tract irritation and obstruction, which are symptomatic of poisoning.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers.
14 0188/08	Spain	Category: Childcare articles and children's equipment Product: Baby's playpen Brand: Rossidbb Type/number of model: Baby box rettangolare (rectangular). art.021. Description: Baby's folding playpen, orange-coloured, packed in a cardboard box containing two playpens. Country of origin: Italy	Choking and injuries The product poses a risk of: - choking because pieces of foam torn off during the test, thus generating small parts and they fit entirely in the small parts cylinder, - injuries because fingers may be trapped due to the size of the openings in the bars, within accessible area 1, there are openings greater than 5 mm and less than 12 mm in two of the playpen's four bars. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 12227-2.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
15 0189/08	Sweden	Category: Recreational crafts Product: Gasoline engine - Gasoline stern drives to Volvo Penta Brand: Volvo Penta Type/number of model: Engine models: 3.0GL, 4.3GL and 5.0GL. Description: Gasoline engine for leisure craft. Country of origin: United States No picture available	Fire The product poses a risk of fire because the carburettor casting does not meet material specification which may cause corrosion and fuel leakage. A fuel leak may cause a fire if an ignition source is present.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the manufacturer.
16 0190/08	Sweden	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Snowmobiles Brand: Ski-doo Type/number of model: MXZ X 600RS, BM8B VIN: 000001-000050, 000052-000068, 000070-000119, 000122-000145, 000147-000172, 000174-000182, 000184-000186, 000189-000193, 000196, 000199-000247, 000250-000251, 000256. Description: Ski-doo MXZ 600RS Snowmobile Model year 2008. The model name is located on the side panels. The snowmobiles were sold in yellow or black/slate. Country of origin: Canada	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because a defect in the carburettor can prevent the throttle from freely returning to the idle position. This can result in an unexpected loss of control leading to a collision and cause serious injuries or death.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
17 0191/08	Finland	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Car cabin heater Brand: CRX Type/number of model: Type: CRX011A (CRX), EAN: 6 418914 538658. Description: Cabin car heater with plastic enclosure and rubber mains cord. Country of origin: Unknown	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock due to the fact that there is not sufficient electrical insulation. At the bending test when rotating the complete cable around a mandrel with diameter 32 mm at 35±2 °C temperature, it shows cracks both at the sheath and at the insulation such that the wires of the conductors are accessible. The cable shall withstand the bending test without showing any cracks. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60811.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
18 0192/08	Finland	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Car cabin heater Brand: Lexxa Type/number of model: Type: PTC-19 (Lexxa), EAN: 6 420617 642341. Description: Cabin car heater with plastic enclosure and rubber mains cord. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock due to the fact that there is not sufficient electrical insulation. At the bending test when rotating the complete cable around a mandrel with diameter 32 mm at 35±2 °C temperature, it shows cracks both at the sheath and at the insulation such that the wires of the conductors are accessible. The cable shall withstand the bending test without showing any cracks. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60811.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
19 0193/08	Italy	Category: Jewellery Product: Earrings Brand: M/S Classic Jewels Type/number of model: 203TO 208 Description: Imitation silver earrings with small circular pendants. Country of origin: India	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because it can cause skin irritation and allergic reaction as a result of release of nickel in excess of the limit laid down by the Chemicals Directive 76/769/EEC.	Import rejected by the customs authorities.
20 0194/08	Hungary	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Sweatshirt for young girls Brand: JINTAO Type/number of model: CH-72 Description: Sweatshirt for young girls with hood and flower decoration. There is a drawstring in the hood with knots. Size: 6 A. Country of origin: Unknown	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation by strangulation due to the use of drawstring. Drawstrings with knots should not be used in the hood of clothing for young children. The product does no comply with the relevant European standards EN 14682 and EN 3758.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
21 0195/08	Estonia	Category: Toys Product: Rattle - Intelligence Roller Rattle Brand: XIN DA MEI Type/number of model: No 853A, EAN 5903116664669 Description: The ball-shaped toy is made of yellow, green and orange plastic. Inside the ball is another small purple rattling ball with diameter 85mm. Approximate size of toy and packaging is 10x10 cm. There is CE marking and age range marking (3+ month) on the packaging. Country of origin: China	Choking and injuries The product poses a risk of: - choking because the greatest ball divided into two parts onwards the test and an internal small ball became available. This ball fits into template A and B; - injuries because during testing the dangerous slits at the junctions of the toy appear. In addition, the detached parts have the sharp edges and ends. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
22 0196/08	Hungary	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car - Crank position sensor harness, engine harness Brand: Nissan Type/number of model: LCV, model: TKO Alteon Description: This recall applies only to the vehicles produced between 22 August 2006 and 24 July 2007. Country of origin: Spain No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because: - the Crank Position Sensor Harness can be damaged due to contact with the blades of the engine cooling fan. Engine Harness, - the Engine Harness may interfere with the EGR cooler on the engine, and the harness protector and outer shields of the wires routed inside of the harness can be melted. As a result of both issues the engine may stall and cannot be restarted.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.
23 0197/08	Germany	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Cable reel – extension reel Brand: Astra Type/number of model: S5B Description: Black and blue plastic housing with 2 feet and handle, cable approx. 10 m long, 4 protective contact sockets, mains switch, crank for rolling up, moulded protective contact plug, sticker with inscriptions and warnings in various foreign languages, size: approximately 23 x 18 x 7 cm (H x W x D). Country of origin: Unknown	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the power contacts and the side earth contacts in the sockets are loose and not reliably secured, with the result that they may become accessible through the openings. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 61242.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
24 0198/08	Germany	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car - Alfa Romeo cars Brand: Alfa Romeo Type/number of model: Brera 4x4, Spider 4x4 and 159 4x4, Type number 939; EC type approval: e32001/1160212. Description: The vehicles in question were manufactured between December 2005 and June 2006. Country of origin: Italy No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because the gearbox cover is not properly sealed and if it comes loose from its seating unforeseeable loss of oil may cause the drive to seize up in the primary transmission housing. If the transmission seizes up, the rear axle will lock, possibly resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.
25 0199/08	France	Category: Lighting chains Product: Christmas light chains Brand: VOLTMAN Type/number of model: DZL040DF9V-4/VOM517376, product reference: JT-300. Description: Light chain with 40 multicoloured flowers. Sold in a box bearing the reference VOM 517376 and gencode 3380235173760. Country of origin: China	Electric shock and fire The product poses a risk of: - electrical shock because it has no adequate resistance to dust and moisture, which resulted in presence of water in the housing and connector after the IPX4 test, - fire because the transformer is not completely filled with insulating material around the core. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60598.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers.
26 0200/08	Belgium	Category: Cosmetics Product: Toothpaste Brand: Crust Type/number of model: 200711070107, bar code: 6928587200023, expiry date 2008. Description: Blue cardboard box containing tube and toothbrush. Text on box: “Now CRUST”, “Good Quality Tooth Paste with FREE TOOTH BRUSH”, “Whitening”, “Fresh Mint”, “Extra-care”, “Active ingredient: Sodium Fluoride 0.32% (equivalent to 1450 ppm of Fluoride). Ingredients: Sorbitol, Water, Silica Abrasive, Silica thickener, PEG1500, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Flavour, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Saccharin, Formaldehy and Green Colour. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a risk of poisoning because it contains 1.87% by weight of diethylene glycol (DEG), which may pose a health risk to consumers.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
27 0201/08	Italy	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Cosmetics resembling chocolates - CHOCOLATE Brand: CIOCCO THERAPY Line Type/number of model: Article 07040510 code SUB 243 REP 214, 14-23181. Description: Chocolate-coloured bath salts, named “sweet delight – chocolate caramel – bath soak”, packaged in a 250-gram transparent plastic jar, with the shape and appearance of grains of chocolate. Country of origin: China	Choking This product poses a risk of choking because due to its characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead children to put it in their mouths and swallow them, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract. The product does not comply with the Directive 87/357/EEC on the prevention of risk resulting from the use of certain products designed to resemble foodstuffs.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
28 0202/08	Netherlands	Category: Gas appliances Product: Outdoor heater – Patio heater Brand: Kroll Type/number of model: W 12 VA LIP-10TGG Type A2, Article nr. 036306. Description: Flue less radiant heater for outdoor use only. Country of origin: Germany	Burns The product poses a risk of burns because during igniting a burst of flame can start or the heat development can be so high that burning of cloth and/or skin can occur.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.