Half of EU apparel recalls in 2010 originated in China

In August, the European Union reported a significant surge in textile and apparel product recalls, with a total of 74 notifications issued—a 164% increase compared to the same period last year. Out of these, 36 items were sourced from China, making up nearly 49% of all EU recalls for the month. This represents a 6.2% year-on-year rise in Chinese-origin product recalls.

The majority of the recalled products are baby clothing items, which pose serious safety risks. The primary reasons for the recalls include the potential for suffocation, poor breathability, and the risk of being swallowed by young children. These issues have raised concerns among parents and regulatory bodies alike, prompting stricter scrutiny of infant apparel in the market.

Hungary stood out as the country with the highest number of recalls in August, issuing a total of 40 notices. This highlights the growing challenges faced by manufacturers and importers in ensuring product compliance with EU safety standards.

Looking at the broader picture, from January to August this year, the EU has initiated 338 recalls of textile and apparel products—an 117% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Among these, 175 recalls involved products from China, marking a 127% year-on-year growth. This trend underscores the increasing focus on quality control and safety compliance, especially for goods imported from Asia.