Between May 2022 and February 2023, laboratory technicians conducted 2,374 tests on clothing purchased in various European countries. The substances bisphenol, nickel or chromium VI were found. These can be carcinogenic, but can also cause skin irritation or disrupt hormones.
The study also shows that imported clothing is not checked thoroughly everywhere in Europe, meaning that the product can end up on the European market anywhere. Moreover, the search for dangerous import products is not intensive enough.
According to State Secretary for Consumer Protection Alexia Bertrand (Open Vld), consumers must be aware of the problem. “From the moment you see ‘made in China’, you know you have to be careful,” she tells ‘VRT NWS’.
The State Secretary wants to improve controls by bringing the sector together with the inspection services (the Economic Inspection, the FPS Public Health and the Customs and Excise Administration) and the government.
In addition, Bertrand wants to ensure that all European countries use the same standards. “I will also raise it during the Belgian presidency of the European Union from January,” she continues. “It seems important to me that all countries focus equally on inspections.”