WRITTEN QUESTION P-3697/98

by Lyndon Harrison (PSE) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Import of dangerous electrical goods from China

Is the Commission aware that, despite the efforts of the People's Republic of China to prevent the practice, unsafe electrical appliances made by rogue manufacturers in China are being sold in Europe? In particular, unsafe electric kettles containing counterfeit safety components which are on sale in the European Union are a danger to consumers as well as property.

In order to stamp out this problem and send a clear signal to the offending Chinese manufacturers and the European importers that such products are not acceptable in Europe, will the Commission take action to ensure vigorous application of the CE Marking and Low Voltage Directives?

Will the Commission also acknowledge the efforts made by the People's Republic of China, and in particular the provinces of GuangDong and ZheJiang to close down the manufacturers of these unsafe products and destroy their stocks and tooling?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(18 December 1998)

Electrical kettles are appliances covered by Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits(1) (low voltage Directive) which makes it the responsibility of Member States to ensure that only safe electrical products are placed on the market.

As a means of enhancing a correct, uniform application of the low voltage Directive, and with a view to protecting the CE marking system, the Commission has set up mechanisms to co-ordinate the market surveillance authorities within the Community.

In particular, an administrative co-operation working group has been established in the area of electrical safety. Its main objective is to facilitate the exchange of information and experience between the different authorities, and thus to support the efficient conduct of enforcement measures within the framework of market surveillance. The issue of unsafe electrical kettles containing counterfeit components was discussed in detail during meetings of the administrative co-operation working group in May 1998 and November 1998. National authorities were asked to proceed with appropriate market surveillance activities. The Commission will follow up any development of this case.

The Commission is furthermore aware of a number of cases where Member States have taken enforcement action against unsafe products within the context of the low voltage Directive. A procedure for the exchange of information between Member States on such cases has been established, and is being applied. The Commission is currently considering, together with the Member States, ways of further improving this system, and, in particular, increasing the visibility of enforcement policies.

Concerning efforts made by the Chinese authorities, and in particular the provinces of Guangdong and Zheliang, to clamp down on the use of such unsafe products, the Commission is studying the issue and will raise it during forthcoming discussions in Beijing.

(1) OJ L 77, 26.3.1973.