DENMARK
Danish ban on PFAS in clothing and shoes
Clothing, shoes and waterproofing agents are one of the biggest sources of PFAS in the environment in Denmark. Subsequently, the government wants to introduce a national ban on PFAS in these consumer goods.
PFAS in professional clothing and safety clothing will not be part of the ban as this type of clothing has special requirements for safety and functionality. This means that it is difficult or not possible to find PFAS-free alternatives available on the market.
The announcement of the ban is expected to be ready on 1 July 2025. The government proposes to give businesses a transition period of one year, meaning that the ban would apply from 1 July 2026.
For more information, please visit the Danish Ministry of the Environment website here.
PRODUCT RECALLS / ALERTS
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source Safety Gate (RAPEX)).
Europe
Safety Gate (RAPEX) (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 3 alerts regarding protective equipment were reported between week 16 and week 19 of 2024.
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Type of Risk
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Number of alerts
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Notes
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Health risk / other
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1
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Particle filter mask
The particle/filter retention of the material is insufficient.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 149.
|
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Injuries
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1
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Body protective gear set
Due to the insufficient effectiveness of the attachment of the protectors, they may easily detach from the legs and hands, which may result in a threat to the safety and health of the user. At the same time, elbow pads do not provide the required level of impact protection.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 14120.
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|
1
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Bicycle helmet
The shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet is insufficient.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 1078.
|
UK
OPSS issues Product Safety Alerts to the UK market.
The following 20 alerts regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were issued between week 16 and week 19 of 2024.
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Type of Risk
|
Number of alerts
|
Notes
|
|
Drowning
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6
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Life jacket
The product was advertised as a life jacket but is a buoyancy aid (which does not provide the same level of protection).
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that it had been adequately assessed for conformity.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
|
|
8
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Life jacket/buoyancy aid
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that they have been adequately conformity assessed.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
|
|
2
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Buoyancy aid
The product was advertised as a life jacket but should be classed as a buoyancy aid (which does not provide the same level of protection). There was no intended user mass stated and it was established that the minimum buoyancy for an adult user was not met.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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|
Injuries
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4
|
Climbing harness
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that it has been adequately assessed for conformity.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment nor the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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