DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2009/83)
issued by COI News Distribution Service on 27 March 2009
The Department for
Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has today issued a
Direction to local authorities to recall and withdraw products
containing an unauthorised biocide called DMF.
The European Commission has issued legislation requiring all EU
member states to ensure no products containing DMF -
Dimethylfumarate - are placed or made available on the market.
This is under Article 13 of Directive 2001/95/EC (General Product
Safety Directive).
Local authorities will be required to ensure that products
containing DMF already placed or made available on the market are withdrawn.
Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas said: "Any goods containing
DMF will be banned and we will be working closely with Trading
Standards to ensure its swift implementation to fully protect
consumers from this substance."
Notes to Editors
* The Decision becomes effective from 1st May 2009.
* DMF (Dimethylfumarate) is the subject of a consumer injury
claim due to be heard in the High Court
* The safety of consumer products is covered by the General
Product Safety Regulations 2005 and enforcement within the UK is
the responsibility of Trading Standards.
* In 2007 a similar Article 13 Decision was implemented via a
Direction of the Secretary of State concerning child resistant and
child appealing cigarette lighters
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory
Reform
7th Floor, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Public enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215
6740 (for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.berr.gov.uk