Are European Products Becoming More Unsafe? Safety Gate Data Reveals a Concerning Trend
Recent figures from the European alert system for unsafe goods, Safety Gate, indicate a sharp increase in the number of warnings issued for products made in the European Union (EU). From 2015 to 2024, the number of alerts tripled, raising concerns about product safety standards.
Surprisingly, the data also challenges the widespread belief that Chinese products are more dangerous than European ones. Complaints about Chinese products have actually decreased, and their numbers are now nearly equal to those for EU-made products.
The Rise in Unsafe European Products
According to the Safety Gate 2023 annual report, there were 3,412 safety alerts, a sharp rise from 2,117 in 2022. Regulatory bodies, such as the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, have been issuing more recalls and warnings than ever before.
Key reasons for the surge in EU product safety alerts:
- Stronger regulations & increased enforcement – The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) came into effect in December 2024, giving authorities more power to monitor unsafe products.
- More testing & surveillance – Agencies are more proactive in identifying risks, especially in cosmetics, electronics, and children’s toys.
- Rising concerns about product ingredients – For example, an EU report found that hundreds of cosmetic products contained harmful substances like cancer-linked PFAS chemicals (source).
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), many personal care products continue to contain substances that violate EU safety regulations, reinforcing the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement.
What to Expect in 2025: Future Changes in Product Safety
As we progress through 2025, several significant developments are poised to reshape product safety standards in both the European Union (EU) and globally:
1. Stricter EU Regulations on Hazardous Substances
The EU is intensifying its efforts to regulate hazardous chemicals in consumer products:
- Pesticide Restrictions: Plans are underway to restrict imported crops treated with pesticides banned in Europe, aiming to align import standards with those of EU-produced goods.
- PFAS Monitoring: Concerns over “forever chemicals” like PFAS have prompted investigations into their presence in consumer products and the environment. For instance, France is examining the impact of PFAS on drinking water, which could lead to stricter regulations on products containing these substances.
2. Enhanced AI Integration in Product Safety Monitoring
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a cornerstone in advancing product safety:
- Manufacturing Oversight: Companies are deploying AI-driven tools to monitor production processes. For example, Schaeffler’s factory in Hamburg utilizes Microsoft’s Factory Operations Agent to detect defects and operational issues, streamlining quality control.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Regulatory bodies are developing frameworks to assess the credibility of AI models, especially in sectors like healthcare, ensuring that AI applications meet safety and efficacy standards.
3. Strengthened EU Product Safety Regulations
The EU’s commitment to consumer protection is evident through updated regulations:
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): Effective from December 13, 2024, the GPSR replaces the previous directive, enhancing safety standards and defining market surveillance responsibilities to ensure that only safe products are available in the EU market.
- Liability for Defective Products: The Directive (EU) 2024/2853, adopted in October 2024, expands the scope of products covered under liability laws to include components and software, holding manufacturers accountable for defects.
4. Increased Accountability for E-Commerce Platforms
Online marketplaces are facing heightened scrutiny to protect consumers:
- Platform Liability: The EU is set to impose liability on e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon for dangerous or illegal products sold online, particularly those imported from non-EU countries.
- Customs Reforms: Proposed reforms will require platforms to provide detailed product information before goods enter the EU, facilitating better inspection and compliance with safety standards.
These developments underscore a global shift towards more rigorous product safety protocols, integrating technological advancements and regulatory reforms to enhance consumer protection.
What About Chinese Products? Are They Safer Now?
Contrary to expectations, Chinese products are not becoming significantly more dangerous. Instead, the number of complaints against Chinese-made goods has decreased in recent years. However, that doesn’t mean China has solved its product safety issues.
Current trends in Chinese product safety:
- Improved manufacturing standards – China has enforced stricter testing and quality control measures.
- EU-China cooperation – The EU and China work together through the Safety Gate system to remove unsafe non-food products from the market.
- E-commerce concerns – The EU is cracking down on platforms like Temu and Shein, which have been accused of selling non-compliant products.
Example: Over 4.6 billion low-value parcels entered the EU in 2024, with 91% coming from China.
This led to new proposals to eliminate tax exemptions for products under €150, ensuring better safety checks (source).
- Is it safe to use Chinese products?
It depends on the product and seller. Large brands and certified manufacturers follow safety regulations, but many low-cost, unbranded products may not be tested properly. - What products from China have lead?
Some children’s toys, jewelry, and electronics have been flagged for containing lead. Always check recall lists and buy from reputable sellers. - What is the product safety law in China?
China has a complex legal framework with national safety standards, but enforcement varies. That’s why some unsafe products still enter global markets.
Final Thoughts: Is the EU Losing Its Product Safety Advantage?
While EU authorities are catching more unsafe products, this doesn’t necessarily mean European products are becoming less safe — it could simply reflect better detection methods. However, the gap between EU and Chinese product safety is shrinking.
Key Takeaways:
- The number of unsafe EU products is rising, but stronger regulations may be the reason.
- Chinese product safety complaints have decreased, but e-commerce imports remain a concern.
- New EU laws (like the GPSR) will improve product safety, but consumers must stay alert.
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