France orders recall of 260,000 condoms lacking EU compliance
French regulators have moved to remove substandard contraceptives from the market, citing missing CE markings and laboratory-confirmed defects that pose risks to public health.
French anti-fraud and health authorities have issued a joint recall order for approximately 260,000 condoms deemed non-compliant with European standards. The decision, announced on Friday, involves products primarily distributed through online marketplaces by Asian vendors, with regulators noting that around 1,000 boxes, or 40,000 individual units, had already been sold to consumers.
The recall is driven by regulatory gaps identified by the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and the Directorate General of Health (DGS). According to a joint statement, the affected products lacked the mandatory CE marking, which certifies conformity with the standards of the European Economic Area. Additionally, the agencies noted that most of the recalled units did not feature packaging in French, further complicating consumer awareness of the products' status.
Laboratory analyses conducted by the authorities identified specific quality defects, characterising the non-compliant products by a risk of bursting and, in one instance, the presence of perforations. These findings led regulators to classify the items as potentially posing serious risks to user health and safety, including the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
The recall covers two unnamed brands manufactured by Japanese company Okamoto Industries, as well as the brands MyLubie and Friday Bae, produced by Passage du Desir. In response to the regulatory action, online vendors have agreed to remove the affected listings from their platforms and return the recalled stock to authorities.
Consumers who have used the affected products have been advised to undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections. Authorities also recommended that individuals take a pregnancy test if they have reason to be suspicious, such as experiencing a missed or late period. This targeted advice complements France’s broader public health strategy, which includes providing free condoms via pharmacies to individuals aged up to 25 without a prescription.
