Swedish Safety Authority Warns of Hazardous Electrical Christmas Gifts from Dropshipping Platforms

The Swedish Electrical Safety Agency (Elsäkerhetsverket) has issued a stern warning regarding the safety of electrical products sold as Christmas gifts within the EU, after testing revealed alarming safety deficiencies. Recently, the agency reviewed approximately 22 electrical products marketed by companies claiming to operate within the EU. According to Per Samuelsson, head of the agency's department, all tested products exhibited technical faults that pose serious risks, including electric shocks and fire hazards.

These products, ranging from USB chargers to kettles, were primarily sourced through Chinese dropshipping platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Ali Express. The agency highlighted that these items failed to meet EU safety standards, often lacking sufficient heat resistance, which increases the risk of melting and fires. Consumers are often misled by sellers who misrepresent the origin of the goods and frequently encounter difficulties when trying to exercise their consumer rights, especially since many sellers operate outside the EU.

The consumer organization Sveriges konsumenter has also reported a rise in problems related to dropshipping, including discrepancies in product descriptions and delivery issues. To protect consumers, Elsäkerhetsverket advises checking the legitimacy of the seller, verifying the presence of responsible EU contacts, and ensuring that products are properly labeled and accompanied by Swedish user manuals. Performing image searches to confirm the product's authenticity is also recommended.

In summary, this warning underscores the risks associated with purchasing electrical gifts from unreliable sources and the importance of consumer vigilance during the holiday shopping season. The Swedish Electrical Safety Agency's findings serve as a crucial reminder to prioritize safety and verify product compliance before making festive purchases.