In 2025, the Safety Gate system recorded more warning notifications than ever before since its introduction in 2003. This represents a 13 per cent increase compared to 2024 and more than a doubling compared to 2022. Electrical appliances, toys and cosmetics are particularly affected. Product safety issues therefore affect virtually all manufacturers across all sectors. The causes of the warnings are as clear-cut as they are worrying:
- Hazardous chemicals (53 per cent)
- Risk of injury (14 per cent)
- Risk of suffocation (9 per cent)
More checks, more consequences
In parallel with the rise in reports, regulatory activity has also increased significantly: In 2025, a total of 5,794 measures were taken, representing a 35 per cent increase on the previous year. This shows that authorities are responding more quickly, in a more coordinated manner and with greater consistency. The Safety Gate system has thus established itself as an effective tool that significantly improves the exchange of information within the EU and the European Economic Area.
The long-term trend clearly shows that the number of alerts has been rising steadily since 2003. Reasons for this include:
- More participating countries and authorities
- More intensive market surveillance
- Better technical systems and data networking
- Consistent monitoring even in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic
With around 100 alerts per week, it is abundantly clear that unsafe products are identified at an early stage – and removed from the market swiftly.
The clear message to manufacturers and businesses
At this point the European Commission wishes to emphasise that the safety of consumer products is a top priority. The rising number of alerts is not a sign of a deteriorating market, but rather evidence of a more effective control system.
Ensuring product safety is not an optional investment; it is a necessary condition for entering the market. Breaches result in recalls as well as reputational damage, liability risks, and monetary losses. It is more economically sensible to invest early in quality assurance, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance than to rely on crisis management later on. Due to all of these expectations, European producers are facing increased regulatory pressure; market surveillance is becoming more efficient, and violations are being systematically pursued. Companies that have not yet strategically embedded product safety are therefore taking a considerable risk.
trade-e-bility provides Legal Monitoring for Product Compliance, enabling you to confidently manage new requirements and detect possible risks early on. This service helps you monitor legal changes and reduce compliance risks.
Do you have questions about your product safety, or have you received a Safety Gate alert regarding one of your products? Please feel free to contact the trade-e-bility advisory team on +49 40/750687-300 or sales@trade-e-bility.de.
