European Commission's Annual Report on Safety Gate Reveals Increase in Alerts for Dangerous Non-Food Products (including Cosmetics)

On March 14, 2024, The European Commission has released its annual report on Safety Gate, the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products. The report reveals that cosmetics were the most frequently notified product as posing a health risk in 2023, marking the highest number since 2003. In 2023, authorities from 30 participating countries notified 3,412 alerts and 4,287 follow-up actions. Market surveillance authorities in each Member State regularly followed up on the alerts, exchanging additional information. The most common categories of products notified were cosmetics, toys, motor vehicles, electrical appliances, and clothes. Most cosmetics notified contained banned synthetic fragrances, such as BMHCA, which can harm fertility and cause skin irritation. Substances causing risks to human health and the environment were also found in electrical appliances, such as lead in solders. E-cigarettes with excessive nicotine content and toys containing phthalates also made up a significant share of alerts.