A recall order has been issued for imported electric kickboards, including those from Xiaomi that Coupang imports from China, due to potential electric shock and fire risks. (Image courtesy of Yonhap News)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – A recall order has been issued for imported electric kickboards, including those from Xiaomi that Coupang imports from China, due to potential electric shock and fire risks.
In addition, strollers, toys and name stickers commonly used by elementary school students at the start of new semesters were also recalled. This action was prompted by elevated levels of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, lead, and plasticizers, exceeding standard safety levels.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), operating under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, conducted a safety investigation encompassing 1,072 products, including household items, electric appliances and children’s products. This scrutiny revealed defects in 77 products, resulting in the issuance of a recall order.
In the category of electric kickboards, products imported from five companies, including Xiaomi’s DDHBC22NEB sold by Coupang, were found to fall short of safety standards. This includes inadequate insulation resistance and omission of battery safety reporting.
Regarding Xiaomi’s electric kickboards, the insulation test measured at 1MΩ, lower than the standard value of 2MΩ. The KATS noted that this deficiency increases the risk of electric shock.
The KATS also issued a recall order for 35 children’s products. In the category of strollers, cases were discovered where wheels were damaged during durability testing, posing safety concerns. Furthermore, the lead content in the frames exceeded the standard level by 2.4 times. Another finding was an artificial leather protection device containing a phthalate plasticizer at levels exceeding the standard by more than 10 times.
The KATS recommended that consumers in possession of products subject to the recall order should stop using them and contact the sellers for repairs, exchanges or refunds.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
