NATCP recalled dangerous sports mobile phone cases and transparent colourful nesessera due to phthalate content

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) monitors the phthalate content of plasticised plastic products by accredited laboratory tests. This year, checks will include mobile phone cases, sports-related mobile phone cases, transparent, colourful designer bags and name badges. The NATCP will ensure the immediate recall of dangerous products to protect Hungarian families.

Phthalates are chemicals used by industry mainly as plasticisers to increase the flexibility and durability of plastics. Because they don't make strong chemical bonds, they are able to be released from products over long periods of time and can be easily absorbed by touch, inhalation or ingestion of food and drink. Laboratory tests conducted by the NATCP have found that some articles used in everyday activities (such as playing sports or cleaning) contain more than 150 times the 0.1 % by weight limit of phthalates set in the relevant EU Regulation.

According to the Regulation, if a product contains a chemical substance banned by EU harmonisation legislation or if it contains a concentration of such substances above the limit value set in that legislation, it must be considered to present a serious risk and, after a market monitoring procedure, the product must be recalled or removed from the market immediately.

Therefore, the NATCP immediately ensured a product recall for the sports mobile phones and transparent colour nesessers under investigation and will continue to investigate further products.

The President of the Authority, Dr. Lilla Német-Weingartner, once again draws the attention of the public to the fact that the risks posed by phthalates can be minimized through the conscious use of products, in combination with careful control by public authorities. So “instead of plastic, prefer metal, glass or purchase ”PVC-free“ or ”phthalate-free" products. Please also pay attention to the marking of plastics, for which the following diagrams are helpful:"