Asbestos in imported children’s play sand – protection of children and effectiveness of EU controls

Priority question for written answer P-000754/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Manuela Ripa (PPE)

According to recent reports, asbestos has been detected in children's play sand in the EU that had been imported from China. Asbestos has long been banned in the EU due to its carcinogenic effects. The fact that such a hazardous substance was detected in a product intended specifically for children raises serious questions as to the effectiveness of import controls and EU market surveillance.

Children are a particularly vulnerable consumer group. In this respect, it is crucial that hazardous products are swiftly identified, taken off the market and reported across the EU.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the aforementioned cases and what information does it have on the circulation of the affected products in the Member States?
• 2.What specific measures have been or will be taken to remove the affected products from the market throughout the EU and to inform consumers?
• 3.Does the Commission consider the current import and market surveillance mechanisms to be sufficient or is it planning to take additional measures to prevent such cases in future?

Submitted: 23.2.2026