By the end of 2008, there had been many reports in the Europe about DMFU causing skin contact dermatitis to consumers. Many European countries have reacted to this:
France: An act was issued on Dec 12, 2008 banning import of footwear and sofa / chairs containing DMFU for at least one year and requiring all products containing DMFU to be withdrawn from the market and not to be sold in France.
Belgium: Measures have been taken to ban import and sale of footwear and chairs containing DMFU.
Spain: Prohibits skin contacting products to contain DMFU.
Italy: The government recently issued an order requiring all products using DMFU as mildew-proof agent to be confiscated and undergo testing.
The Commission of the European Communities published Decision 2009/251/EC on 17 March 2009 requiring as of 1 May 2009 Member States shall ensure that products containing DMFU (maximum limit value: 0.1 mg/kg) are prohibited from being placed or made available on the market, and products containing DMFU and already placed or made available on the market are withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers. This Decision is a transitional directive, and shall be applicable until 15 March 2010. If no better solution be found in the transitional period, the Commission will consider prolonging for one year.
So far, member states of EU have initiated many product recalls due to the DMFU exceeding limit value. Among these products, shoes and sofa, chair account for more than 90% of the total. Besides, it also involves toy and clothing, and the most representative cases are:
|
Year -Month |
Notifying country |
Product |
Danger |
Measures adopted by notifying country |
|
Mar 2009 |
France |
Category: Toys
Product: Soft toy
Country of origin: China
 |
The product poses a chemical risk because of the presence of 2 mg/kg of dimethylfumarate.
One incident reported. |
Voluntary withdrawal from the market. |
|
Jun 2009 |
Spain |
Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items
Product: Children''s shoes
Country of origin: China
 |
The product poses a chemical risk due to the presence of dimethylfumarate (DMFU) in the footwear and in the sachet included in the packaging.
One incident has been reported. |
Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities. |
|
Jun 2009 |
Finland |
Category: Furniture
Product: Recliner chair
Country of origin: China
 |
The product poses a chemical risk because of the presence of dimethylfumarate (DMFU), substance used as an anti-mould agent. |
Voluntary withdrawal from the market. |
What is DMFU?
DMFU is widely used in products manufactured in China. It is a stable compound classified as irritating and even harmful for the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tracts, by simple contact, by inhalation or by ingestion. This substance which is not visible by the eye and very volatile can be found in the conservation and transportation process of leather, shoes, textile and products made of wood or bamboo to keep the products dry and prevent moulds.
