RAPEX is a European warning system for the fast information exchange between EU member states on dangerous products (except food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices).The latest RAPEX report was just published a few days ago, which noted that more than one product out of two products that were notified as hazardous in the European Union (EU) has Chinese Origin. Thirty countries are currently participating in this system (EU27 + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). This system allows these countries to report hazardous products in order to withdraw them directly from their market.
In 2011, RAPEX reported that 1803 products have been notified as dangerous, particularly clothing and textiles, toys, and motor vehicles. In 2010, 2244 dangerous products were reported, which was a decrease of 20%. This was the first time that the number of notifications reduced since the system came into existence.
After China, 19% of notifications were for European origin products, and 15% of products originating in other countries. Around 8% focused on products of unknown origin (against 23% in 2004, a decrease can be explained by advances in the product identification).
Clothing and textiles have been reported in most cases for risks of choking or irritation. For toys, it was mainly a choking hazard as well. Risk of injury is most often reported (26% of cases), followed by chemical hazards (19%) and suffocation (15%).
Countries that have been most adamantly enforcing the system are: Spain (189 notifications), Bulgaria (162), Hungary (155), Germany (130) and the United Kingdom (105). These five countries provided 47% of all RAPEX notifications on products exposing consumers at serious risk.
The next steps
“The fact that there are fewer unsafe products on the EU market is good news for consumers, but we still have work to do. (…) It is important to establish a uniform monitoring system by strengthening cooperation within the EU and by enhancing cooperation with international partners, “said John Dalli, member of the European Commission.
The Commission will particularly enhance bilateral cooperation with China and trilateral cooperation with the United States and China. It also strives to finalize its legislative package on product safety and market surveillance, announced in December 2012. This will include a new directive on general product safety (revision of Directive 2001/95/EC), a new single horizontal regulation of market surveillance and a multi-annual action plan for market surveillance.
Of course, as always, a strong QC strategy will greatly lessen your, as an importer’s, chance of receiving similar products! Practice safe sourcing!
This post is also available in other languages :
Plus d’un produit sur deux en provenance de Chine est notifié dangereux (RAPEX 2012)
Importaciones peligrosas de China: Rapex
Already, we have introduced AQL in general and discussed the standard inspection levels. But how do inspection companies do other testing outside of the normal AQL (cosmetics) and how do they select the number of samples needed?
For example, these tests could include:
- Seam testing
- Special wear testing
- Electrical Hi-Pot testing
In these cases, “special testing” may be done at the factory during the inspection. To find how many samples must be picked for these tests, we can use the right side of the same AQL chart used for standard inspections! Using the “special inspection levels” we can find the sampling code corresponding to the special sampling levels (S1-S4), and then at the left in the 2nd chart, we can determine the sampling numbers of these tests.
Generally, these tests alter the appearance, functionality or durability of the products, so relatively few compared to regular AQL inspection levels are checked. For example, when looking at the chart above, if you had a lot size of 1500 pieces, you may only check 5-32 pieces.
If a test is destructive, the sample will be destroyed and cannot be reused. In this case, we will almost always choose an S1 level (like seam testing shown here). If the test consumes too much time, it will also likely be at an S1 sampling level.
For some critical tests involving safety issues, 100% of the AQL sampling may be checked (like in Hi-Pot testing), but at least an s3 or s4 level would be recommended.
Any questions? Leave them in the comments section below!
This post is also available in other languages :
Niveles de inspección especiales en AQL
Recently I received an email from a French importer asking me advice on his current situation: He had 100,000 defective products that he just received from China sitting in his warehouse in France.
But once this has happened, what options do you have?
- The first potential solution is to sort defects with his own QC team in France, which takes time and money.
- The second is to contact a professional organisation doing this kind of sorting inspection. In France organisations like Employement Assistance Center (CAT) or Rehabilitation Center can provide such services.
But how can you avoid being in this situation from the start?
The best solution is to anticipate this situation by addressing the problem at “the root”. When you need to be sure about your shipment you need to inspect before loading the goods in container. Doing a single quality inspection at the end of your production is easy and affordable and will save you much hassle.
The main reason is it allows your factory to re-work the goods and for. Also, inspecting before loading should allow enough time to delay the freight forwarder from shipping the goods until after they are re-inspected.
For more details you can always reach our AQF team by phone or email. Remember, Check quality before shipment, not after!
This post is also available in other languages :
Ma marchandise est endommagée à son arrivée; que puis-je faire?
Al llegar mis productos, estos están dañados. ¿Qué puedo hacer ahora?
In conjunction with the China Sourcing Information Center (CSIC), AQF has enjoyed a fruitful experience at Global Sources – Hong Kong the past two weeks at the AsiaWorld Expo. We started at the Electronics show from the 12-15, where we met scores of buyers from beginners to those with 40 years experience.
Next, we were at the Home goods show from 20-23 and were able to meet a similarly diverse group of buyers and see some fascinating products, from massage chairs to wine glasses.
Finally, we are now exhibiting at the Home Textiles show at booth 5F38 and it has been an exciting show so far! At all three fairs, we are meeting with importers to discuss their quality control and general China sourcing questions and needs. The CSIC’s network of organizations can assist buyers through every step of the way.
Make sure to stop by the “How to Source from China” Seminar series to see CSIC’s partners shed light on important issues about sourcing from China! You can check out last year’s videos here.
We hope to see you in Hong Kong!
This post is also available in other languages :
AQF au salon Global Sources avril 2012 – Hong Kong
AQF en Global Sources – Hong Kong
As a Western inspection company, AQF also has Western inspectors and supervisors in order to constantly improve our processes and service but also in order to answer our clients’ needs as precisely as possible. It is of course true that most of our clients will choose our local inspectors.
Why? Because:
- Price: Price is indeed more competitive with local inspectors then with Western inspectors.
- Language and culture: Local inspectors indeed have the same culture and speak the same language as your factory, and this is very important, especially when there is a problem during the inspection.
- Training: AQF local inspectors are constantly trained to our quality control process and to our methodology and there is usually no reason to send a Western inspector.
- Interference: Western QC are not always welcomed.
So, when is it potentially valuable to get a Western inspector?
- Luxury products: If you are dealing with those type of products, Western inspectors may have a picker eye, as they are more familiar with these types of goods.
- Language: Some clients request the inspector to speak in his own language (English, French, German etc.) or to be fluent in English in order to give immediate feedback over the phone.
- Solving problems: Understanding Westerns vs. Asians way of doing things is very important. While our local inspectors will follow their culture and background, our Western inspectors could be at an advantage when being direct is a necessity. However, do make sure not to make your factory lose face and never yell or insult anyone. Always stay in control of your emotions.
In terms of answering questions, Westerners expect a simple yes or a no answer. As a result, the explanations you will get on your report could potentially be a bit clearer.
However, while there are indeed occasionally advantages of selecting a Western inspector, we believe that our local team of highly trained specialists is generally the best choice for almost any inspection. In any case, selecting the right inspector is an important decision that should be made with your Inspection partner.
Have you had any experiences with Western inspectors in Asia? Share them in the comments section below!