Federal Network Agency Seizes Thousands of Illegal Products

The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has taken significant measures to remove devices from the market that do not comply with German regulations. In a recent operation, the agency, along with customs authorities, identified and confiscated a staggering 5.3 million devices across approximately 8,000 different product types in 2024.

Products subject to this crackdown include overheating batteries and problematic smart plugs that interfere with police and fire department communications, posing serious safety risks. The agency reported that in 2023, the number of device types seized was even higher, reaching 8,100, with a total of 73 million individual devices. The variation in numbers from year to year often depends on the prevalence of mass-produced items versus niche products.

Many of the seized items were found to lack essential documentation, such as the CE marking, which certifies that products meet EU safety standards. This issue was notably present among drones sold in Germany.

The Federal Network Agency conducts inspections in retail locations and also procures test products online to ensure compliance with legal standards. Klaus Müller, the agency's president, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from products that do not meet obligatory requirements. He noted that a significant portion of these non-compliant products originates from outside the EU, primarily China. By enforcing these regulations, the agency aims to maintain fair competition and safeguard consumers from hazardous products.

Looking ahead, Müller announced plans to intensify the agency's efforts in monitoring and removing illegal products from the marketplace.