The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has uncovered a smuggling network through which more than 200,000 counterfeit condoms were imported into Europe, declared as toys, N1 reports, citing Euronews.
The products bypassed European Union quality control requirements, exposing consumers to the risk of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and exposure to harmful chemicals and materials.
Condoms in the European Union are classified as medical devices and must meet strict health and safety standards, including tests for microbiological contamination, biocompatibility, leak resistance, dimensions, shelf life, and stability. The counterfeits bypassed all these checks.
"Counterfeit condoms are dangerous. They are untested, uncontrolled, and unsafe," said the head of OLAF, Petr Klemp.
The counterfeit condoms, valued at more than €200,000, were seized in Romania, Serbia, and Spain. They were sold under the name and logo of a well-known brand, but OLAF has not disclosed which brand is involved, nor how many units have already reached consumers.
"It is difficult to provide exact figures due to the nature of illegal networks," said a spokesperson for OLAF, noting that tracking such goods is difficult, as is notifying consumers who may have purchased them.
With the help of Chinese authorities, OLVA identified the exporter behind the shipments; their identity has not been disclosed.
