The European Anti-Fraud Office uncovered a trafficking route used to distribute counterfeit condoms in Europe, putting the sexual health of thousands of Europeans at risk.
Over 200,000 condoms coming from China — falsely declared as toys — bypassed the European Union quality requirements, exposing consumers to the risk of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe chemicals and materials.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
In Europe, condoms are categorised as medical devices and must meet strict health and safety standards, including microbial contamination controls, biocompatibility, leak resistance, dimension requirements, shelf life and stability.
The counterfeit products from China bypassed those.
“Counterfeit condoms are dangerous,” European anti-fraud agency chief Petr Klement said in a press release. “They are untested, uncontrolled and unsafe.”
Fake condoms — worth over €200,000 — were seized in Romania, Serbia and Spain.
They were sold in Europe using the name and logo of a well-known brand, according to the European anti-fraud agency. The agency did not disclose the brand, where the products were sold, or how many of the more than 200,000 condoms had reached consumers. The agency did not respond to Euronews Health's request for clarification before publication.
Working with the Chinese authorities, the European agency identified the exporter behind the shipments but did not disclose its identity.
