• Access to live parts or lack of resistance to temperature - these are some concerns regarding wall chargers.
• The Trade Inspection Authority examined 187 products and questioned every third of them.

In 2019, the Trade Inspection Authority examined 187 charger models, including 83 USB-type, 88 wall-type and 16 battery-type chargers. The audit covered a total of 55 shops, supermarkets and warehouses in eight provinces.

Inspectors questioned 62 models (33% of those examined). Half of them lacked the name of manufacturer or importer, slightly less had incomplete information on safe use, or the information was missing at all. More than a third of the questioned products did not have a declaration of conformity or it was drawn up poorly. The declaration of conformity is a document wherein the manufacturer or its authorized representative declares that the product meets the relevant requirements of applicable EU directives.

Fifteen products (12 wall chargers and 3 USB chargers) have been tested in laboratories. In that set, 80% had structural defects, for example, part of the plug was of incorrect dimensions, the charger was not resistant to temperature, or live components were easily accessible, which could result in electric shock.

The majority of undertakings voluntarily remedied the formal irregularities. In one case, the Trade Inspection Authority issued a ban on selling chargers due to insufficient protection against electric shock.

Consumers, please remember:

• Make sure that the basic information, such as the voltage at which the charger works, and which devices it is intended for, is provided on the charger or in the document attached to it. Follow these guidelines.
• Look for the CE mark on the product - in this way, the manufacturer declares that the charger meets the requirements specified in EU regulations and is safe.
• The product labeling, user manual, warranty card or other documentation should include the name, model designation, serial number, and manufacturer or importer details.
• Before purchase, make sure the product is not damaged and its internal components are not accessible.
• When in doubt about purchase, please contact the Trade Inspection Authority.
• If the product has a defect make a complaint.

Consumer support:

Phone 801 440 220 or 22 290 89 16 – consumer helpline
e-mail: porady@dlakonsumentow.pl
Consumer ombudsmen – in your town or district
Regional Consumer Centres: 22 299 60 90 – Dlakonsumenta.pl

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: biuroprasowe@uokik.gov.pl
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL