The European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC) has responded to the latest Which? investigation revealing unsafe balloons being sold on online marketplaces, calling the findings “unacceptable but unsurprising,” and urging the EU to close long-standing regulatory loopholes that allow non-compliant sellers to target EU consumers.

 

The Which? report identified balloon products with nitrosamine levels far exceeding the strict legal limits, alongside missing warnings and incorrect safety markings. These products were sold by unregulated third-party marketplace sellers — not reputable EU manufacturers. EU nitrosamine limits are already based on robust scientific assessments and ensure a high level of protection when adhered to, underscoring the need for proper enforcement against non-compliant online sellers.

 

“This is exactly the problem we have been raising for years,” said the EBPC Director-General.
“Responsible balloon manufacturers invest heavily in high quality raw materials and processes, compliance, safety testing, and meeting strict harmonised EU standards such as EN 71–12. Yet non-compliant overseas sellers can bypass the rules entirely by using online marketplaces. Consumers are put at risk, and legitimate EU businesses are undermined.”

 

A Cross-Industry Problem That Demands Action

 

The unregulated online issue extends far beyond balloons. In a recent joint statement co-signed by EBPC and 70 environmental, consumer, retail, and industry organisations, the signatories called on the European Commission to urgently strengthen online marketplace accountability.

 

Key concerns raised in the statement include:

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• Online marketplaces are not recognised as economic operators and therefore face no proactive legal duty to ensure product compliance.

• Over 4.6 billion small parcels enter the EU each year, many from sellers who avoid EU product safety, chemical and environmental rules.

• Mystery shopper exercises across sectors show widespread non-compliance, including an 80% failure rate for toys purchased from third-party marketplace sellers.

 

“This is a structural enforcement gap, not an isolated failure,” EBPC added. “Until marketplaces are held responsible for what they sell, unsafe and illegal products will continue to reach European consumers.”

 

EBPC emphasised that its members follow strict requirements under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48 (EC) and EN 71 standards - including EN 71-12 chemical testing for nitrosamines. Members also undergo independent audits, invest in high quality raw materials, and ensure full traceability.

 

A list of reputable, compliant balloon manufacturers operating in Europe can be found at:
www.ebpcouncil.eu

 

Call for Policy Reform

 

EBPC is urging EU policymakers to adopt stronger measures, including:

• recognising marketplaces as economic operators,

• requiring an EU-based responsible person for every product sold to EU consumers,

• strengthening customs controls for small parcels, and

• ensuring uniform application of product safety, environmental and chemical rules.

 

“Consumers deserve safe products. Responsible manufacturers deserve a level playing field.
This investigation shows once again that the current system is not working. The time for meaningful enforcement is now.”

 

For & on behalf of the European Balloon & Party Council