Unsafe products on the market

Product safety inspectors from the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) have come across electrical travel universal adaptors, like the one pictured.

These adaptors pose a serious risk of electrocution to consumers as the various configurations can be accessed while the adaptor is plugged into an electrical mains outlet.

These adaptors had been banned some time ago but have now been found again on the market.

The authority advises consumers to refrain from using them and to return them to the place of purchase.

It also warns economic operators to withdraw the products from the market with immediate effect. Should these products be encountered on the market during inspections by the authority, legal action may be taken.

For more information, call the Technical Regulations Division of the MCCAA on 2395 2000 or e-mail info@mccaa.org.mt.

Some dangerous products notified by Malta last year.

• In the introduction of the Rapex Annual Report 2012, which was published recently, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg said since its creation in 2004, the Rapex system had been instrumental in protecting European consumers’ health and safety.

It has provided the necessary platform for the essential exchange of information on dangerous products between member state authorities and the European Commission. In 2011, there was a decrease in the total number of Rapex notifications, while 2012 marks the return of an upward curve.

As a European member state, Malta is active in the Rapex system, with the Technical Regulations Division of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority being the Rapex contact point.

In 2012, Malta notified no fewer than 25 products that posed a serious risk to consumers on this rapid alert system, which is operated by the European Commission.

Products notified vary from motor vehicles to toys, to electrical and lighting equipment to ladders and lighters.

Moreover, Malta has notified another 25 reactions to dangerous products, also notified by other member states and found in Malta.

The full report can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/docs/2012_rapex_report_en.pdf.