ANALYSIS OF CASES OF RECALL OF APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR SEPTEMBER 2015

European Union

The EU RAPEX systems has notified 30 cases of which 56.6% were notified because of risk of Injuries. These Seventeen children’s clothes were recalled because the product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682. Some parts of the clothes can become trapped during various activities of a child. A loop can be created and injuries to the child may occur.

One False Nails product was recalled because the product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation. The glue contains dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which is toxic to reproduction.

One Ladies’ scarf was recalled because it contains hazardous chemicals, this scarf contains a high level of azo dyes releasing the aromatic amines benzidine. When the product is in direct and prolonged contact with the skin, the aromatic amine may be absorbed by the skin. Aromatic amines can cause cancer, cell mutations and affect reproduction.

Two Children’s raincoats were recalled because the products contains azo-dyes, and do not comply with the REACH Regulation.

Five children’s clothes were recalled because of risk of choking, the small decorative elements may be easily detached. A small child may put them in the mouth and choke.

Three adult’s shoes contain chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) is classified as sensitising and may trigger allergic reactions. The products were recalled because it does not comply with the REACH Regulation.

One Belt was recalled because the product does not comply with the REACH regulation. The amount of chromium (VI) found in the leather is too high (measured value 28.7 mg/kg).

America

One kids hoodie was recalled because the sweatshirts has a drawstring around the neck area which poses a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children.

Canada

One Feather boa and feather angel wings were recalled because the product does not meet the requirements for textile flammability under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. If exposed to flame such as from candles, matches or lighters, the feather boas and large feather angel wings could catch fire and possibly cause burns to consumers.

One sandals were recalled because an internal component (a metal shank) can protrude through the bottom of the rubber outsole, potentially leading to a trip and fall hazard to consumers.

One scarf was recalled because it does not meet the requirements for textile flammability under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

Statistics of risk types for textile and shoes in above three markets is shown in the figure below:

September2015