Electric blankets are one of the best sellers during the winter season as they help consumers enjoy a cozy night in the chilly, humid weather in Taiwan. They are subject to regulatory control and are required to comply with national standards in aspects of safety, EMC and hazardous substances labeling. The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Protection, Executive Yuan, released the test results of 10 electric blankets randomly purchased from on-line shopping platforms. They were subject to testing of quality items (heating, leakage current and electric strength, abnormal operation, construction and EMC), comparison of key components and labeling checks. The results showed that 3 products were determined to be not complying with the requirements. The BSMI reminds consumers to look for the Commodity Inspection Mark or proof that demonstrating completion of inspection procedures when shopping online.

For the non-compliant products, the BSMI will take the following actions in accordance with relevant Articles of the Commodity Inspection Act:

1.For #4 product, which failed the check of Chinese labeling, the obligatory inspection applicants will be notified to take corrective actions within a specified time limit (Article 59). A fine of not less than NTD 100,000 and not more than NTD 1,000,000 will be imposed and the RPC certificates will be rescinded, if corrective actions are not completed before the time limit.

 

2.For #5 product, which failed the quality tests and may be involved in evasion of inspection, a fine at an amount of not less than NTD 250,000 and not more than NTD 2,500,000 (Article 60) will be imposed and the obligatory inspection applicants will be required to withdraw the products from the market or take corrective actions within a specified time limit (Article 63).

3.For #10 product, which failed the quality tests but were not found to be involved in evasion of inspection, the RPC certificates will be rescinded (Article 42) and the business operator will be notified to withdraw the products from the market or take corrective actions within a specified time limit (Article 63-1). A fine of not less than NTD 100,000 and not more than NTD 1,000,000 will be imposed, if corrective actions are not completed before the time limit.

The BSMI indicated that electric blankets are subject to mandatory inspection and are not allowed to be released from production premises or imported before they are certified. The BSMI implements an annual market surveillance program to continuously monitor the safety of products on the market. In case noncompliant products are found, the BSMI looks into the causes, makes an interview report and takes actions in accordance with relevant regulations.

The BSMI urges companies to ensure the safety of products and correctness of labeling so as to protect consumers' right and safety. On the other hand, consumers should only buy products that are labeled with the Commodity Inspection Mark.

Responsible Division: 3rd Division

Contact Person: Chen, Cheng-Chang, Deputy Director,

Tel. (O): +886-2343-1905

Email: chang.chen@bsmi.gov.tw