Belgium has issued a warning through the European Safety Gate system for dangerous non-food products regarding brake pads containing the carcinogenic substance asbestos, which are being sold on the popular Chinese webshop AliExpress.
Since 1998, the production, trade, or reuse of materials containing asbestos has been banned in Belgium. Further, from 2002 onwards, their production, marketing, and use has been prohibited. According to Flemish parliamentarian Andy Pieters (N-VA), Europe and its member states have been struggling with the issue of Chinese webshops like AliExpress and Temu offering products that do not meet European regulations.
“Asbestos fibres, especially during maintenance activities like cleaning brake pads, can be easily inhaled,” said Pieters. “Asbestos is deadly, and exposure to its fibres causes cancer. The influx of these products must be curtailed as much as possible. It is also essential that the government actively informs garages, vehicle testing centres, and consumers, rather than relying solely on a European warning system.”
