Majority of prohibited goods identified as originating from China, as per EU's report findings
The European Union (EU) is ramping up its efforts to ensure the safety and compliance of imported products, with a focus on those potentially violating EU rules. According to a recent report, more than 80% of products under scrutiny come from China, making it the main source of concern.
Customs authorities in EU member states inspect imported goods to ensure they meet EU safety and environmental standards. Last year, they intervened nearly 400,000 times, conducting document, physical, or lab tests.
The report, authored by Ursula von der Leyen in 2024, states that most seized illegal products at customs checks in EU countries originate from China. In 2024, the number of rejected items from China rose by nearly 180% compared to 2022, reaching 48,139. After further examination, 16% - around 65,000 items - were finally rejected.
Health products, items in the home and living, and electronics and technology sectors are the most affected by these rejections. The second-highest number of rejections came from the USA with 3,247, followed by the UK with 2,120.
Interestingly, only 0.0082% of all imported products are checked by customs authorities. This means a significant number of products are not checked, according to the report. Wide variations in rejection practices among member states are noted, but the report does not discuss any potential solutions or strategies for improving customs controls in EU countries.
The report also does not provide details on the impact of increased controls on the number of rejected items. However, it suggests EU countries should strengthen their customs controls to protect consumers and the environment. The report does not mention any increase or decrease in the number of checks in the current year compared to previous years.
Despite these challenges, 36% of products were released for the EU market after the checks. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for consistent, effective customs controls across the EU.
