Brussels, January 15, 2024 – WhizzBang, the European network dedicated to consumer and data protection for expatriates, acknowledges Austria’s ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection in the digital marketplace. However, recent findings indicate significant health risks associated with the purchase of inexpensive products from non-EU online retailers, underscoring the urgent need for more robust regulatory measures and increased consumer awareness.
A panel discussion hosted by the Ökosoziales Forum Wien/Eco-Social Forum in Vienna highlighted the dangers posed by products such as children’s toys containing toxic plasticizers, fairy lights prone to ignition, and food supplements with unapproved ingredients. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) reported a complaint rate exceeding 80% for toys inspected from online sources in 2023, citing safety defects and labeling deficiencies.
Expatriates in Austria, who may be less familiar with local consumer protection frameworks and language nuances, are particularly vulnerable to these risks. The proliferation of non-compliant products in the online marketplace poses serious health and safety concerns, necessitating immediate action to safeguard all consumers.
WhizzBang calls on Austrian authorities to:
- Enhance Market Surveillance: Allocate additional resources to monitor online retail platforms, especially those based outside the EU, to identify and remove hazardous products promptly.
- Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Implement stricter regulations requiring online marketplaces to verify the safety and compliance of products offered by third-party sellers, ensuring adherence to EU standards.
- Increase Consumer Awareness: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate consumers, particularly expatriates, about the potential risks of purchasing from non-EU online retailers and the importance of verifying product safety certifications.
- Promote International Cooperation: Foster collaboration with international regulatory bodies to address the challenges posed by cross-border e-commerce and to develop unified strategies for consumer protection.
“The alarming rate of non-compliant products in the online marketplace is a clear indication that current measures are insufficient,” stated Iwona Szczeblewski, board member of WhizzBang Viadrina. “Expatriates and all consumers in Austria deserve a safe shopping environment, both online and offline. We urge Austrian authorities to take decisive action to strengthen consumer protection laws and enforcement mechanisms to address these concerns.”
WhizzBang remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of expatriates across the European Union and will continue to monitor developments in Austria’s consumer protection landscape.
About WhizzBang
WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, specifically advocating for the interests of expatriates living within the EU. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang is dedicated to supporting the EU single market and opposing national barriers that hinder the free movement of individuals and services.
