77 Products Including Kickboards and Strollers
National Institute of Technology and Standards Orders Recall
Repair, Exchange, and Refund Measures Planned
Coupang's imported electric scooters, including Xiaomi electric scooters imported from China, have been ordered to be recalled due to risks of battery explosion, electric shock, and fire hazards. Additionally, 77 other products such as strollers, toys, and name stickers that violated safety standards were also identified.
On the 21st, the National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that problems were found in 77 products including daily necessities, electrical appliances, and children's products, and recall orders were issued. Product information has been disclosed on the Product Safety Information Center and Consumer24.
Xiaomi electric scooter subject to recall order by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy [Photo by National Institute of Technology and Standards]
This investigation focused on electric scooters, which have recently been subject to frequent fire incidents and consumer safety alerts. In particular, the 'Xiaomi' electric scooter (DDHBC22NEB) sold by Coupang was found to have insulation levels below the standard at the handle part, increasing the risk of electric shock, leading to orders for repair, exchange, or refund.
For the Xiaomi electric scooter, the insulation test measurement was 1 megaohm (MΩ), which is below the standard value of 2 MΩ. The National Institute of Technology and Standards stated, "Due to insufficient insulation, there is a high possibility of electric shock," as the reason for the recall order.
Electric scooters imported by Daeum Networks, Motovelo, Nanowheel, and eHoldings also had issues such as insulation resistance below the standard, and were found to have fire risks due to failure to report battery safety confirmation.
According to the National Fire Information from the Fire Agency, electric scooter fire incidents increased sharply from 10 cases in 2019 to 115 cases last year, and recorded 35 cases in the first half of this year.
A large number of strollers made in China, which can cause skin diseases or central nervous system disorders due to harmful substances, were also detected.
The strollers contained lead exceeding the standard by 2.4 times, which can cause dermatitis and central nervous system disorders. The 'BeneBene' stroller showed total lead levels exceeding the standard by 2.4 times, and the artificial leather guard on the handle of the 'Cyrus' stroller exceeded the phthalate plasticizer standard by 10.4 times. These products were immediately ordered to stop use and recalled.
The charging cable of the snack vending machine-type toy 'ChiefMall' made in China contained phthalate plasticizers exceeding the standard by more than 60 times and lead content exceeding the standard by 20 times, and the name stickers of 'KkoyaKkoya', frequently used by children, also exceeded the standards for phthalate plasticizers and cadmium.
The National Institute of Technology and Standards advised consumers who possess recalled products to immediately stop using them and contact the seller to receive repair, exchange, or refund measures.
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