Enlarge image
Sex toys
Photo: sinenkiy / Getty Images
The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has issued a warning to six online providers of erotic advent calendars for sometimes massive violations of labeling and information obligations.
The calendars were often delivered without instructions for use and safety instructions for the articles such as handcuffs, mouth gags or vibrators, said the vzbv.
In addition, the materials or ingredients often remained unknown.
Risk of injury
"Wrongly used shackles, mouth gags, nipple clamps or prostate vibrators with remote control can cause serious injuries," explained vzbv legal advisor Kerstin Hoppe.
"If the sextoys contain materials and ingredients that can trigger allergies, this must be identified beforehand."
According to the vzbv, the Advent calendars, which are offered for 100 to 200 euros, contain a mixture of sex toys, cosmetics, medical products, textiles and food.
Depending on the type of product, different labeling and information obligations apply in the EU.
In the case of textiles, for example, the fiber composition must be labeled.
Food packaging should contain a list of ingredients and information on allergens.
In the case of medical devices, the name and address of the manufacturer, the CE mark, the date of manufacture and the expiry date should be given.
According to the Product Safety Act, understandable instructions for use and operating instructions in German are also mandatory according to the vzbv.
They are intended to ensure the safe use of the products and protect consumers from possible dangers.
The vzbv asked the six providers not to sell the calendars without the prescribed product information.
If the companies do not make the required declaration of cease and desist, they face a lawsuit, as the association said.
hej / AFP
