Did you hear about it yet? Recent findings from Germany's Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) suggest it's time for a thorough compliance check.
In a recent press release, Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur, revealed that in 2024 alone, they identified approximately 8,000 non-compliant product types, affecting more than 5.3 million individual items. These findings highlight the pressing need for manufacturers and traders to ensure their products meet EU regulations.
What caught our attention
The surveillance efforts covered both online and brick-and-mortar retail channels. Online platforms saw 1,400 instances of non-compliance, resulting in the removal of about three million items from the market. Physical retail checks led to 28 sales bans and 872 requests for corrective action, impacting nearly 1.9 million items.
Perhaps most striking is the cooperation between customs authorities and the Bundesnetzagentur. Of the 5,500 suspicious goods consignments reported by customs, a staggering 92% were found deficient and barred from entering the European market.
Do you too have to address this?
The investigation revealed several critical areas where products frequently failed to meet requirements:
- The absence of proper documentation about the economic operator responsible for the product in the EU
- Missing or incorrect CE marking
- Technical deficiencies in products such as multifunctional chargers that could interfere with emergency service communications
- Non-compliant transmission frequencies in vehicle accessories that could affect aeronautical services
- Safety concerns with radio equipment, particularly regarding live parts and batteries
So, if you're importing products into the EU, particularly from non-EU countries like China, these findings serve as a crucial wake-up call. The Bundesnetzagentur is strengthening its surveillance efforts, and the costs of non-compliance can be significant - both financially and reputationally.
Five steps to ensure market access:
- Review your technical documentation thoroughly
- Verify all products have proper CE marking
- Ensure clear identification of the EU economic operator
- Conduct regular compliance audits
- Maintain up-to-date test reports and certificates
Don't wait for customs to flag your shipments or for market surveillance to identify issues. Take proactive steps now to ensure your products meet all necessary requirements. Need help ensuring your products comply with EU regulations? Contact our team at Alura Group for expert guidance and support.
