In 2021, the Federal Network Agency removed almost 23 million products from the market.

“The number of products that we withdrew from the market was again very high last year. This is how we protect consumers from unsafe products.”

Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency

Federal Network Agency: Market surveillance in online trading

Online market surveillance identified more than 2,600 suspicious offers in 2022 and deleted them from the corresponding sales platforms. More than 13 million devices were affected.

Light effect devices are particularly striking

With over 3.2 million, light effect devices for the private sector, such as flash cubes or disco balls, took first place among the eye-catching device types. In addition to the often missing CE marking or operating instructions, it was found that radio-controlled devices often work in impermissible laser classes.

Be careful with energy saving devices

Second place went to conspicuous energy-saving devices with a total of almost 2.8 million units. The devices with often questionable energy-saving functions had visible formal defects, such as incorrect CE markings, missing German operating instructions or a lack of responsible European contacts. This can have consequences for consumers, as no claims can be made against responsible companies in the event of a guarantee or even damage. The operation of such defective devices is prohibited in Germany.

Private use of military frequencies prohibited

Hand-held transmitters/radio remote controls reached third place with a number of over 2 million units. The reason for a blocking was often unauthorized frequency use within military frequency ranges.

Market surveillance in German retail

The number of device types in German retail tested by the Federal Network Agency amounted to 3,296 in 2022. The agency has issued a total of 23 sales bans and issued 1,145 requests to correct defects for non-compliant products. This affected a number of 1.72 million devices.

Battery chargers and radio sockets

What was noticeable were, among other things, battery chargers that can cause disruptions in security-relevant radio services, military radio applications and IP services due to high limit values ​​being exceeded. Another important example are smart radio-controlled sockets that do not comply with safety requirements because there is a risk of electric shock or fire.

Cooperation with customs

In order to stop as many non-compliant products as possible at the European external border, the Federal Network Agency is cooperating intensively with customs.
Customs reported around 4,800 suspicious shipments of goods to the Federal Network Agency in 2022.
Due to a variety of identified defects, approval for the European market was not granted in around 91 percent of cases. In total, more than 720,000 products were affected by an import ban.

Online Ordering: Tips for Consumers

  • Order online from reputable and well-known sources. Find out about the provider beforehand, for example from the consumer advice centers.
  • Check whether an address in the EU is provided where you can reach the provider or its partner. This address must be indicated on the product or its packaging, package or in an accompanying document.
  • Make sure that information about general terms and conditions (GTC) as well as cancellation and return instructions are available.
  • Check the product description carefully. Pay particular attention to the fact that there are references to a German-language operating manual.
  • The price should be plausible compared to competitors.
  • If you are unsure, ask the seller questions about the product. Reputable sellers answer questions quickly and happily.
  • Make sure that the plug type can also be used in Germany.

Further information on market surveillance by the Federal Network Agency can be found here: www.bundesnetzagentur.de/marktueberwachung.

Source:

Federal Network Agency
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