Printable Version Import of products including DMF anti-mould biocide now totally banned from EU

With effect from 1st May 2009, the European Union (EU) has begun to enforce an import ban on all products containing the biocide Dimethyl-fumarate (DMF).

The relevant EC decision is based on substantial evidence that certain biocide products containing DMF present a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers. DMF is a fungicide substance used to combat mould, and is most often contained in small sachets fixed inside furniture or included within shoe boxes so that the chemical evaporates and impregnates the products.  Other items that may contain DMF include toys, childcare articles, and apparel. Recent medical research shows that severe allergenic reactions to DMFs have been suffered by humans on exposure to such biocides.

DMF is deemed to be present in any product whenever a maximum limit of 0,1 mg DMF per kg of product or part of a product is exceeded.

FedEx customers are strongly advised to contact manufacturers who supply them with such types of goods to ensure that they are fully aware of the changed requirements concerning DMFs.

The ruling prohibits all products containing DMF from being placed or made available within all 27 member states of the European Community market and the EFTA  member States (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland).  The ruling, which is currently valid until 15th March 2010, also requires that all such products already in the EU should be withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers with effect from 1st May.

The full text of the decision has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union and can be accessed at:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:074:0032:0034:EN:PDF

For all further information, please contact FedEx Customer Service at 1802233.