EU moves to ban DMF and prevent more ‘itchy sofa’ issues from imports

3rd February | upholstery | The allergy-inducing chemical at the centre of the ‘itchy sofa scandal’ is to be banned from furniture imported into Europe. Last year, a number of high profile retailers including Land of Leather, Argos and Walmsleys were accused of selling leather sofas with mould preventing sachets containing dimethylfumarate (DMF) – a chemical said to have caused rashes and skin burns.

A subsequent investigation by the BBC Watchdog consumer affairs television programme has resulted in the UK’s largest ever class action – which is being led by lawyers at Russell Jones & Walker.

EU manufacturers are already banned from using DMF, but officials from EU nations have now voted to outlaw the chemical from all products, including upholstery, on imports from outside of Europe.

The two manufacturers at the heart of the BBC’s investigation were Linkwise and Eurosofa, both of which are Chinese manufacturers.

EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, said, ‘An EU wide ban on the use of DMF in all consumer goods is designed to eliminate the serious health risks and in particular the severe allergic reactions suffered by some consumers when they are exposed.’

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