Key facts
- Over 200,000 counterfeit condoms were seized in Romania, Serbia, and Spain.
- The fake condoms originated from China and were falsely declared as toys to bypass EU regulations.
- These products failed to meet strict EU health and safety standards for medical devices.
- The counterfeit condoms were sold using a known brand's name and logo.
- The European Anti-Fraud Office worked with Chinese authorities to identify the exporter.
The European Anti-Fraud Office has uncovered a significant trafficking operation involving counterfeit condoms originating from China. Over 200,000 of these 'untested, uncontrolled and unsafe' products were seized in Romania, Serbia, and Spain. The fake condoms were falsely declared as toys to circumvent European Union quality requirements, exposing consumers to risks of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, and exposure to unsafe chemicals.
In Europe, condoms are classified as medical devices and must adhere to stringent health and safety standards, including microbial contamination controls, biocompatibility, and leak resistance. The counterfeit products failed to meet these criteria.
Petr Klement, chief of the European anti-fraud agency, stated that counterfeit condoms are dangerous. The fake products, valued at over €200,000, were sold using the name and logo of a well-known brand, though the agency did not disclose the brand's identity or the specific sales locations within Europe. The agency also did not specify how many of the counterfeit condoms had reached consumers.
Working in collaboration with Chinese authorities, the European agency identified the exporter responsible for the shipments, but this entity's identity has not been revealed.