France recalls 260,000 defective condoms sold online by Asian sellers

French authorities have ordered the recall of nearly 260,000 condoms deemed non-compliant, of which approximately 40,000 had already been purchased. Laboratory analyses revealed risks of breakage and, in one case, the presence of perforations.

The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and the Directorate General of Health (DGS) issued a joint statement on Friday announcing the recall of some 260,000 potentially defective condoms. The majority of these products were sold on major online marketplaces by vendors based in Asia.

Of all the contraceptives affected, approximately 1,000 boxes, or 40,000 units, had already been sold at the time of the announcement. Laboratory analyses revealed two non-compliant products: one presented a risk of breakage, and the other combined this risk with the presence of perforations.

The two agencies point to the absence of CE marking, which is mandatory for all products marketed in the European Economic Area. "The identified condoms lack CE marking, a third-party conformity assessment, and, in most cases, packaging in French," the press release states, concluding that these products "are considered non-compliant and likely to present serious risks to the health and safety of users," particularly in terms of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Authorities recommend that anyone who has used these condoms get tested for STIs and, if in doubt, take a pregnancy test. The online sellers involved have agreed to remove the listings and return the recalled stock.

The press release cites two brands manufactured by the Japanese group Okamoto Industries, as well as the brands MyLubie and Friday Bae, marketed by Passage du Désir. In France, condoms are available free of charge in pharmacies without a prescription for those under 25, a measure implemented under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron to combat STIs and unwanted pregnancies.