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

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

- Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications -

report 28 - 2008

Corrigenda:
Notification 0498/08 from week 18 in 2008 has been permanently removed from the system because the children's car seat complies with the requirements for the characteristics of absorbing material.

Notification 0237/08 from week 7 in 2008 has been withdrawn from the RAPEX website until the risk assessment is clarified

Back to weekly overview

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
0758/08
Sweden

Category: Toys
Product: Swing - Suspension couplings on swing set

Brand: HÖRBY BRUK
Type/number of model:
Types: CanCan-swing, Gondola swing and wooden swing set 200 and 250
Models: 4003,4070,4080, 4085
EAN codes: 7318890040031, 7318890040703, 7318890040802, 7318890040857

Description: Swing set for domestic use with 2 or more yellow seats.
CanCan and Gondola swing set: metal crossbeam in red and anchors in green.
The wooden swing set is made of robust, pressure impregnated wood.

The faulty suspension couplings are red in colour and have been delivered with swings and swing sets during 2006 and 2007. Black coloured suspension couplings, delivered during 2008 are not affected.

Country of origin: Sweden


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Injuries

The product poses a risk of injuries because the suspension couplings on the swings may break after a certain time of sun exposure. Six complaints were reported in 2007 and 2008.

Corrective action taken by the manufacturer.

2
0759/08
Spain

Category: Childcare article and children's equipment
Product: Pushchair

Brand: KOELSTRA
Type/number of model: ZIPPO 1

Description: The pushchair has a metallic structure with a canvas seat and backrest to which straps and a belt are attached for securing the child. It is packed in a cardboard box marked with information including the reference "KOELSTRA ZIPPO1". The box also contains a leaflet entitled: KOELSTRA SMART ZIPPO 1, providing instructions for use. The leaflet is illustrated but the legends are not in Spanish. There is also a guarantee document not printed in Spanish.

Country of origin: Netherlands


Click on the picture to enlarge

Injuries

The product poses a risk of injuries because :

- the angle between the back and the seat is less than 100º (and could therefore cause posture problems if used for babies under the age of six months);

- the pushchair does not remain stable when on a slope;

- the front wheels can come off their axles when subjected to a force lower than 200 N;

- the pushchair is not marked with a warning that it is unsuitable for babies under the age of six months.

The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 1888.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

3
0760/08
Sweden

Category: Protective equipment
Product: Floating Inner bladder for "Besea W50 Wing"
Brand: POSEIDON
Type/number of model: The affected inner bladders are marked with type no 5275-0-0-7, POSEIDON, 5445 and 2007. These inner bladders have been mounted in Besea W50 wings sold during the period: 16 September 2007 – 10 June 2008.

Description: The defective inner bladder is mounted inside a "Besea W 50 wing", a floating device used for scuba diving.

Country of origin: Sweden


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Drowning

The product poses a risk of drowning as due to a manufacturing error the seam holding the two pieces of the inner bladder together inside the "Besea W50" may break.
This makes the wing unfit as a floating device.

Voluntary recall from consumers by the manufacturer.

4
0761/08
Germany

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Travel adaptor - Universal Reise-Adapter

Brand: REINEX PACK
Type/number of model: Article No 9523, EAN 4068400095237

Description: Travel adaptor for use in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa etc. (more than 175 countries)

Country of origin: Unknown


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Electric shock

The product poses a serious risk of electric shock because:

- the contact pins of the adaptor intended to be used in the UK can be exposed and may therefore be touched prior to or during use,

- the contact pins of the inserted plug can be touched,

- it is possible to insert one plug contact pin, while the other live pin is exposed.

Withdrawal from the market by retailer ordered by the authorities.

5
0762/08
Spain

Category: Toys
Product: Plastic toy - “Tortuga Rapida”

Brand: VIDAL
Type/number of model: Item 0216051, No 218, Barcode: 8432583160512

Description: Toy tortoise with a light. Colour: yellow head and shell, green legs. The toy is packed in a clear plastic bag sealed with a cardboard strip bearing a barcode, the brand name and warnings applicable to toys not intended for children under the age of 36 months.

Country of origin: China


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Choking

The product poses a risk of choking because small parts can be detached which fit entirely inside the small parts cylinder. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

6
0763/08
Spain

Category: Toys
Product: Luminous spinning ball

Brand: QD TOYS / MAGICAL
Type/number of model: LED MAGIC SPINNING QD / 8168A

Description: A luminous ball mounted on a handle. It comes packed in a cardboard box with the following information: "Magical Light", mark "QD Toys" and "Try me". "Led magic spinning ball 32 patterns". "Specifications: colours and contents may vary from illustrations". "QD 8168A". The message on the side of the box reads as follows: "Not suitable for children under 36 months of age".

Country of origin: China


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Cuts

The product poses a risk of cuts because it does not have sufficient mechanical strength and breaks during the impact test, generating sharp pieces.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and with the relevant European standard EN50088.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

7
0764/08
Germany

Category: Decorative articles
Product: Garden oil lamps

Brand: HPI
Type/number of model: Model: Casa Nova Logo, Article No: 121826, 121827, 121828, EAN 4041103116447

Description: Stainless steel oil lamps with a diameter of between 9-20 cm.

Country of origin: China


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Chemical

The product poses a chemical risk because:

- the garden torches are not fitted with a wick guard to prevent small children from putting the wick in their mouths and ingesting lamp oil,

- the filler cap on the garden torch is not child-proof, i.e. the filler openings, including the wick holder, should normally require two independent movements in order to be opened (a bayonet joint),

- the exposed gasket between the oil reservoir and the wick holder contains asbestos.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.

8
0765/08
Spain

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Electric soldering iron

Brand: CY
Type/number of model: Barcode: 8958143072380

Description: Electric soldering iron sold in a blister pack. It has an adhesive label. The pictogram on the product indicates that it is not recommended for children under three years.

Country of origin: China


Click on the picture to enlarge

Electric shock

The product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- the internal conductors do not have the required insulation,

- the cable does not have the cross-section area required by the standard,

- the appliance does not have a cable gland or a form of cable support,

- the appliance is not protected against excessive flexing at the entry point (supply cable),

- the appliance does not have an anchoring device for type Y fixing,

- the number of mica layers (solid insulation) does not comply with the requirements of the standard,

In addition, portable appliances to be used on tables or similar surfaces must include a holder or have a separate form of support, which this electric soldering iron does not have.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and with the relevant European standard EN 60335.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

9
0766/08
Austria

Category: Toys
Product: Toy mobile phone - Little Animal Telephone N° 818

Brand: Unknown
Type/number of model: 08026170-001

Description: Toy mobile telephone made of hard plastic in the shape of 'Tinky-Winky' (Teletubby), violet in colour, with a beige face, grey keyboard, white keys with black numbers and red letters. There is a battery compartment on the back, an on/off switch on the side, a speaker on the back of the head and a (violet) soft plastic aerial and light-emitting diode (covered by a small colourless plastic cap) on the top of the head. When the telephone is switched on, the light shines and various notes or sequences of notes are produced by pressing the keys.

Country of origin: China


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Choking

The product poses a risk of choking because the aerial, which fits entirely into the small part cylinder, can easily be pulled off or become detached.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.

Withdrawal from the market and destruction of the products ordered by the authorities.

10
0767/08
Hungary

Category: Stationery
Product: Eraser

Brand: Unknown
Type/number of model: Barcode : 85000358181043

Description: 3 small erasers in the shape of an ice-cream, in one package (blue-white, yellow-pink, yellow-cappuccino). A label is affixed to the packaging with a CE mark and age symbol. Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 1 cm.

Country of origin: China


Click on the picture to enlarge

Chemical

The product poses a chemical risk because it contains 29% by weight of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEPH). The product is like a toy and children may put it into the mouth (maximum allowed quantity for toys and child care articles is 0.1% by weight).

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

11
0768/08
Germany

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Electric shaver - Power supply unit to electric shaver.

Brand: ZOWAEL
Type/number of model: Model RSCW 7188, EAN 6928686481927

Description: Electric shaver with power supply unit.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock

The product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- a flashover between the primary and secondary circuits of the power supply unit occurs at 2600 V (should withstand 3000V),

- the insulation between the primary and secondary circuits does not meet the SELV requirements, live parts can be touched.

In addition, the operating instructions provided are incomprehensible.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60335.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.

12
0769/08
Germany

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Electric shaver - Power supply unit to electric shaver.

Brand: HERCULES
Type/number of model: RSCW 2088

Description: Black and grey electric shaver with power supply unit.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock

The product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- a flashover between the primary and secondary circuits of the shaver's power supply unit occurs at 2300V (should withstand 3000V),

- the insulation between the primary and secondary circuits does not meet the SELV requirements, live parts can be touched.

In addition, the operating instructions provided are incomprehensible.

- the power supply unit's plug is not suitable for the earthing contact system used in Germany (and other countries using the same earthing contact system).

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60335.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.

13
0770/08
Denmark

Category: Toys
Product: Wooden blocks - "Stabeltårn"

Brand: TOY AND GAME
Type/number of model: Barcode: 2508 3095

Description: A tower consisting of removable wooden rings and blocks of different colours.

Country of origin: China


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Choking

The product poses a risk of choking because it contains a removable small ball which passes through template E.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.

Voluntary recall from consumers by the importer.

14
0771/08
Cyprus

Category: Toys
Product: Set of squeezable toys

Brand: FUNNY BATH TOYS
Type/number of model: ART. CD62/EL373, Barcode: 8 422562 022764.

Description: Set of 8 squeezable, squeaky toys in the form of animals.

Country of origin: China


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Chemical

The product poses a chemical risk because it contains 0.2% by weight of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

According to the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC, certain phthalates in toys are prohibited.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market.

15
0772/08
Bulgaria

Category: Food-imitating products
Product: Naphthalene

Brand: Unknown
Type/number of model: barcode 943011558

Description: Naphthalene in the form of round sweets packed in a transparent bag containing 20 pieces of coloured (white, yellow, green, orange and pink) or white mothballs. There is an inscription on the packaging: “naphthalene – an agent against moths, keep away from children".

Country of origin: China


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Choking and chemical

The product poses a risk of:

- choking because it can be confused with a foodstuff by children and swallowed,

- chemical because the swallowing and touching of naphthalene by children can cause irritation, burning,

poisoning and, in the case of a contact with eyes, redness and burns.

The product does not comply with the Directive 87/357/EEC.

Sales ban and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.

Press release has been issued.

16
0773/08
Cyprus

Category: Toys
Product: Soft toys - Baby Happy Color Soft & Sprint

Brand: HAPPY COLOR T’S
Type/number of model: Item No. 1018 ; Bar Code 5290516841517

Description: A soft velour fabric toy in the shape of a colourful turtle and baby turtle which plays music and is battery operated. It is packed in a colourful cardboard box with a transparent window. On the box there are the following markings: a pictogram concerning the age restriction (ages between 6-36 months), a “CE mark”, country of origin and the name of the importer.

Country of origin: China.


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Choking

The product poses a risk of choking because it fails the tension test (materials and seams) and generates small parts which fit entirely in the small parts cylinder.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and with the relevant European standard EN 71.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

17
0774/08
Germany

Category: Gadget
Product: Gas signal horn - Party Air Horn / Gas-powered hooter

Brand: ALIKI
Type/number of model: Art. No 6052, EAN 4012594100529, Item No PAH9oz.

Description: A "Party Air Horn" (hooter) consisting of a pressurised-gas canister and a red plastic horn measuring 14.5 cm in length. The gas canister is approx. 13 cm long with a diameter of approx. 5 cm. The canister carries various warnings concerning small parts, chemicals and risk of explosion. The packaging consists of clear foil with a sticker bearing the CE mark and a symbol indicating that the product is unsuitable for children under 3 years of age.

Country of origin: China


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Damage to hearing and fire

The product poses a risk of:

- damage to hearing because the sound pressure is 140 dB and thereby exceeds the maximum value of 115 dB.

- fire because the hooter is powered by a highly flammable propellant.

The product does not comply with the European standard EN 71.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market.

18
0775/08
Hungary

Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items
Product: Waistcoat for children

Brand: LYDIA
Type/number of model: F-89

Description Quilted children’s waistcoat, size 80-86 cm, with hood containing an elastic drawstring.

Country of origin: China


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Strangulation and injuries

The product poses a risk of:

- strangulation due to the presence of the rubber drawstring and toggles in the hood area.

- injuries to the eye or face of children when pulling the drawstring firmly and releasing the toggles.

The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682.

Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.

19
0776/08
Germany

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Electric shaver - Power supply unit to electric shaver.

Brand: TROIKA
Type/number of model: RSCW-737

Description: Black and grey electric shaver with power supply unit.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock

The product poses a risk of electric shock because :

- a flashover between the primary and secondary circuits of the shaver's power supply unit occurs at 2900V (should withstand 3000V),

- the insulation between the primary and secondary circuits does not meet the SELV requirements, live parts can be touched.

In addition, the operating instructions provided are incomprehensible.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60335.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.

20
0777/08
Cyprus

Category: Toys
Product: Expanding toys –
1. Dinoinvasion Growing Pet;
2. Wizardly Egg Growing Pet

Brand: GROWING PET
Type/number of model: Unknown

Description: Effigy of an egg which contains an expandable toy in the form of a dinosaur or a chicken. The egg is packed in transparent plastic.

1. The egg containing the dinosaur has the following markings: ‘Growing pet’, ‘Do not swallow’ and is attached to a label with the following inscriptions: "Dinoinvasion they are back". ‘Warning Choking Hazard-Small parts, Not for children under 3 years old’, Instructions for use, 'CE mark", age restriction and "Made in China".

2. The egg which contains the chicken has the following markings: ‘Growing pet’, ‘Do not swallow’ and is attached to a label with the following inscriptions: ‘Growing pet’, ‘Wizardly egg’, ’Amusing, Funny, Novel’, ‘Do not swallow’, ’Warning: Choking Hazard-Small parts, Not for children under 3 years old’, ‘CE mark’, Instructions for use, age restriction and ‘Made in China’.

Country of origin : China


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Choking

The product poses a risk of choking because it expands by more than 50% in any direction and if a child swallows the toy, or part of it, contact with saliva or gastric juices will cause the toy to grow in size.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

21
0778/08
Estonia

Category: Toys
Product: Racing car - Sport Products World

Brand: SPORTS
Type/number of model: Item No.SB3752

Description: A racing car made from yellow and black plastic. The toy is packed in a cardboard box with a transparent plastic blister.
Dimensions of toy: 16.5 x 9 x 6 cm; packaging 18 x 9.5 x 9 cm.
There are the following inscriptions: “Racing car NO.2288-13 Rescue team” (on the product) and “Sport Products World", "Cars New Edition", "Warning: Choking Hazard - Not for Children under 3 Years. Small parts. Made in China," CE-mark, pictogram concerning age restriction (on the packaging).

Country of origin: China


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Chemical

The product poses a chemical risk because of high levels of lead. The levels varied from 4074 mg/kg to 5450 mg/kg, compared with the permitted limit of 90 mg/kg.

The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.

Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.

22
0779/08
Spain

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Switch for fitting on cable

Brand: NOVEDADES LEIVA
Type/number of model: REF. 11985, Bar Code: 8431487119855

Description: A switch for fitting on a cable, sold in a blister pack marked: "NOVEDADES LEIVA".

Country of origin: China


Click on the picture to enlarge

Fire

The product poses a risk of fire because the switch overheats in normal use to the extent that its operation is adversely affected. Following a heating test, the insulating material supporting the active part was deformed as a result of the high temperature reached.

The product does not comply with the European standard EN 60669.

Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.

23
0780/08
France

Category: Toys
Product: Teddy rucksack containing "Chupa-chups" lollipops

Brand: CHUPA-CHUPS
Type/number of model: Chupa-Chups teddy rucksack: S470391, Gencod: 3174334703955.

Description: Teddy rucksack (in the shape of a cow, frog or dragon) with a small transparent PVC window on the teddy's stomach through which "Chupa-chups" lollipops can be seen inside. The cow is pink with green horns and black sunglasses.

Country of origin: China


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Chemical

The product poses a chemical risk because the transparent PVC pocket contains more than 0.1% by weight of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP).

The product does not comply with the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC.

Voluntary withdrawal from the market.

24
0781/08
Finland

Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Cable reel

Brand: ENERGY +
Type/number of model: Type: HJR-10AD EAN: 6 416485 182805

Description: Black cable reel with rubber cable length of 20 m.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock

The product poses a risk of electric shock because :

- during the bending test, when rotating the complete cable around a mandrel with diameter 40 mm at temperature of -35(±2)°C, it showed cracks both at the sheath and at the insulation, causing the wires of the conductors to become accessible,

- during the impact test, 200 g mass from height 100 mm at -25±2°C temperature, the samples showed cracks at the sheath.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standards EN 61242 and EN 60811.

Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.

25
0782/08
Germany

Category: Motor vehicles
Product: Motorcycle - BMW Motorcycles

Brand: BMW
Type/number of model: F 800 GS

Description: Models from 2007 and 2008. The VIN range is: ZT62000 - ZT66220.

Country of origin: Germany

No picture available


Injuries

The product poses a risk of injuries because the front brake calliper may not be fixed in position with the sufficient tightening torque. If the screw joints of the brake calliper become loose, the front wheel can be jammed.

Voluntary corrective action taken by the manufacturer.

26
0783/08
Spain

Category: Childcare articles and children's equipment
Product: Pushchair - Happy plus

Brand: NURSE
Type/number of model: Ref.140

Description: Pushchair with hood, packed in a cardboard box. "Silla reclinable 405/425".

Country of origin: Taiwan


Click on the picture to enlarge

Injuries and suffocation

The product poses a risk of :

1. injuries because:

- the access area has spaces wider than 5 mm and narrower than 12 mm causing the risk of entrapment of a child's fingers,

- the angle between the back support in its most upright position and the seat is less than 100º,

- the child may come completely out of the retention system and fall,

2. suffocation because:

- the label marked "Nurse", which fits in the small parts cylinder, is affixed in an accessible area and may be detached.

- the plastic bag supplied with the item has an opening with a perimeter of over 380 mm and an average thickness of less than 0.038 mm.

The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 1888.

Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer ordered by the authorities.






 


(*) NEW

Enforcement is a top priority of the EU Consumer Policy Strategy 2007-2013. Both measures leading to RAPEX notifications and measures which come to the attention of the Commission and other Member States as reactions are indications of enforcement activity in the Member State concerned.

In order to give a better view on the overall level of enforcement, including the follow-up activities of the national market surveillance authorities, the Commission RAPEX team has decided to publish on the RAPEX website also the names of the countries that have found the notified product on their market and have taken appropriate measures (and have submitted a reaction to a RAPEX notification as a consequence).

Information about the reacting countries is available in the RAPEX weekly overviews in the column 'Products were found and measures were taken also in'. The Commission RAPEX team will publish reactions sent (from May 2009 onwards) to 2009 RAPEX notifications.



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