Thousands of sofas face recall after EU decision to ban DMF

3rd March | upholstery | UK furniture retailers could be forced to recall all of the sofas containing DMF manufactured by Chinese firms Eurosofa and Linkwise, including those that haven’t solicited an allergic reaction from consumers.

Last month the Furnishing Report told how EU officials had started the process of banning DMF in all products bound for Europe, following the skin reactions suffered as a result of mould preventing sachets containing DMF being allegedly inserted into upholstery by the two Chinese suppliers.

That process could now see affected retailers forced to issue a full product recall – which could number tens of thousands of pieces of furniture. Lawyers representing consumers with skin complaints are expecting a compensation package of up to £10m to be announced following a court hearing to take place later this month.

The DMF scandal has hit countries across the EU and last night the BBC’s Watchdog programme reported that product recalls would take place across all member states affected. It remains up to authorities in each country, however, to decide how the recall will be administered.

Argos, Walmsleys and Land of Leather are the three high profile retailers consistently fingered in all reports about the affair, but it is thought that a further 3,500 sofas containing DMF may have been sold by other smaller concerns across the UK.

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