Environment agency banned over 10% of inspected products in 2024

The environment agency carried out just over 400 inspections across Luxembourg last year and banned over 10% of sampled products, it said in a report on Friday.

Covering the full gamut of environmental regulation, the agency inspected products, workplaces and sites in 401 operations last year.

Some inspections were part of regular monitoring, while some others were in response to complaints.

A total of 427 complaints were made to the environment agency in 2024, half from members of the public and the other half made by public agencies including the police. Complaints mostly related to pollution, waste management or noise.

Non-compliant products

A sample of 219 products were chosen for analysis, sourced both online and from physical shops, and tested for accurate labelling, safe and legal chemical composition and correct licensing. Last year, the agency said it had focused its attention specifically on windscreen washer fluids, floor mats, menstrual cups, jewellery, cosmetics and e-cigarettes.

Of the 219 products tested, 28 were pulled from shelves following the inspection – a failure rate of 12.78%.

In a separate campaign, the environment agency analysed 212 disinfectants used in food production and processing, eventually banning 31 of them from sale in Luxembourg.

Almost half – 10 out of 21 – cleaning agents used in swimming pools also failed inspection and were withdrawn from sale.

Wide range of responsibilities

The agency carried out 34 operations targeting shipments of waste crossing the borders with Belgium, France and Germany last year. Working with customs and police, agents inspected 1,685 vehicles and issued 222 sanctions, with fines totalling €41,500.

A further 43 companies in various fields had their refrigeration, air conitioning and heat pump facilities inspected for compliance with ozone damaging gas regulations. 32 of them failed the inspection but 14 have since rectified the issues in areas of staff certification, gas cylinder labelling and mandatory leak test documentation.