In a recent market surveillance conducted by EU-funded ToxFree LIFE for All project, researchers collected 180 samples from 81 headphone models sold in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Austria and all of the tested products contained endocrine-disrupting substances.
As reported, hazardous substances were detected in every product tested. While many individual substances appeared in low concentrations, it raises concerns about the long-term risk to endocrine and fertility due to the detection of chlorinated paraffin, bisphenols, phthalates, and new brominated flame retardant.
Among the detected substances, Bisphenol A (BPA) appeared in 98% of samples, while its common replacement, Bisphenol S (BPS) was detected in more than 75%, with some concentrations far exceeding levels proposed by European regulators. The report also highlighted the widespread use of “regrettable substitutions”—where banned chemicals are replaced with nearly identical alternatives that carry similar endocrine‑disrupting and neurotoxic risks.
Evaluation result in different categories
| EVALUATION | RATING |
|---|---|
| Contact parts | 68% green |
| Non-contact parts | 21% yellow + 37% red |
| Chlorinated paraffin, flame retardant, phthalate | >80% green |
| Bisphenols | 69% green |
| Product from well-known brands | 48% red |
| Product from Retail brands | 50% red |
| Product from No-name brands | 27% red |
| “Traffic light” rating system (green = low risk, yellow = moderate concern, red = high concern) | |
How SGS Helps Manufacturers Ensure Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance
With regulators increasing scrutiny and consumers demanding transparency, SGS can help manufacturers to ensure product safety through our comprehensive solutions that address such risks, such as:
- Advanced Chemical Testing
- Analysis on plastics, coatings, and electronic components for bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and chlorinated paraffins
- EU Regulatory Compliance
- From REACH and RoHS to evolving endocrine-disruptor restrictions, SGS guides manufacturers through complex requirements to ensure safe market access
- From REACH and RoHS to evolving endocrine-disruptor restrictions, SGS guides manufacturers through complex requirements to ensure safe market access
Ensure your products meet the relevant regulations and protect customers from potential harm with chemical testing and analysis services from SGS.
For more information, please contact our Customer Service team!
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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