MEPs Mohammed Chahim (S&D) and Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE) have asked the European Commission to explain why notifications of dangerous products, such as asbestos-tainted play sand, are not always published fully and promptly in the EU's Safety Gate alert system, and to consider issuing preventive warnings for high-risk products. The written question, submitted on 22 April 2026, follows journalistic research by Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad that found asbestos in at least 70 types of toys and revealed gaps in the timeliness and completeness of Safety Gate entries.
The MEPs specifically ask the Commission to guarantee that competent national authorities submit complete and timely notifications, and to explore including provisional or preventive warnings in Safety Gate when vulnerable groups like children are at serious risk. They also inquire about steps to strengthen cooperation with third-country authorities to control high-risk products, such as play sand, before they reach the EU market.
The question reflects a push for stronger consumer protection and faster regulatory action, potentially increasing the administrative burden on national authorities and the Commission. For EU toy manufacturers and importers, stricter controls could raise compliance costs and delay market access, while consumers and children would benefit from reduced exposure to carcinogenic substances. The Commission typically has six weeks to respond; its answer will signal whether it prioritises speed and transparency in product safety alerts or maintains current procedures. No prior coverage exists on this specific file.