Commissioner Michael McGrath has defended the EU's Safety Gate rapid alert system, stating that notifications of dangerous products are published in full and in a timely manner, following concerns raised by MEPs about asbestos in children's play sand. In a written answer on 15 June 2026, McGrath emphasised that Member States are legally obliged to report corrective measures for serious risks within four days, and the Commission validates them within a further four days. The answer impacts consumer safety advocates, toy manufacturers, national enforcement authorities, and EU trade partners.
The question, submitted on 22 April 2026 by MEPs Mohammed Chahim (S&D) and Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), cited journalistic research revealing that reports of dangerous products do not always appear in Safety Gate in a timely or complete manner. The MEPs asked whether the Commission can guarantee full and timely publication of notifications, whether it would include preventive warnings for vulnerable groups, and what steps it is taking with third countries to strengthen controls on high-risk products like play sand.
in November 2025, Australian authorities alerted the Commission about toy sands containing asbestos, which was immediately shared with Member States. Early 2026, the Commission sought feedback via the Safety Business Gateway and organised discussions on asbestos detection methodology. Initial tests showed only a limited number of samples posed serious risk, and those cases were reported in Safety Gate alongside voluntary recalls. The Commissioner also highlighted cooperation with international partners, including an administrative arrangement with China for follow-up on dangerous products.
The policy orientation is defensive of the current system, emphasising existing obligations and cooperation mechanisms rather than proposing new rules. The answer does not commit to including preventive or provisional warnings, nor does it announce new measures for third-country controls beyond existing arrangements. Institutional follow-up is likely to involve continued monitoring by the Commission and possible further discussions with Member States on detection methodology, but no legislative changes are signalled.
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