Consumer product and retail
The world’s leading product recall company. Supporting the consumer product sector sector since 1995.
THE EVOLVING RISK LANDSCAPE
We are proud to partner with 4/5 of the world’s leading consumer product brands.
Heightened complexities in modern day supply chains, from resource scarcity to supplier consolidation, have significantly increased consumer product recall risk. Despite their advantages, emerging technologies in manufacturing practices and end-product innovation have introduced vulnerabilities, while the proliferation of sophisticated counterfeit goods and shifting consumer expectations for ‘next generation’ product features, have further amplified sectoral recall risk. These converging factors, coupled with increasingly stringent regulatory oversight and enforcement, necessitate heightened vigilance and immediate action to safeguard consumer safety and the integrity of supply chains.
Since 1995, we’ve partnered with the world’s leading retailers and consumer product companies to develop, test and execute over 7,000 product recall and remediation programs across 100 countries and 50 languages.
Whether you’re planning for — or currently facing — a product recall, market withdrawal or any other in-market product incident, our experts are on hand to support you.
PRODUCT RECALL MANAGEMENT FOR MANUFACTURERS
The spotlight on consumer product safety is shining brighter than ever.
Beyond traditional product safety concerns, newer threats loom large. New voluntary standards and official rulemaking, coupled with unilateral warnings from regulators, create a multifaceted challenge for consumer product manufacturers. Alongside this, the escalating trend in global consumer product recalls, which have surged by 7.6% Y-o-Y over the last five years, underscores the urgent need for swift and precise removal of affected products from the supply chain. This imperative action is not solely about preserving consumer safety; it’s also about protecting the integrity of your brand, which can suffer irreparable damage from mishandling a product recall.
The rise of online marketplaces and e-commerce introduces new vulnerabilities, making the traceability and removal of faulty products more intricate. Supply chain disruptions, whether from natural disasters, geopolitical issues, or resource scarcity, further complicate recall efforts, demanding agile strategies to ensure rapid and efficient product retrieval.
With three decades of industry experience, we are uniquely qualified to address the most intricate of consumer product recalls. Whether navigating complex regulatory demands and compliance specifications, orchestrating seamless consumer notification and response programs, or managing product retrieval, repair or destruction – we have the experience to help.
PRODUCT RECALL MANAGEMENT FOR RETAILERS
Consumer product retailers face a heightened focus on product safety, where the repercussions of mishandling recalls loom large.
The landscape is rife with challenges; staying vigilant is paramount. If a recalled product remains accessible in a retailer’s inventory, there is cause for concern. Failure to act upon recall notifications or overlook the complete removal of recalled items from store shelves can lead have devastating consequences, underscoring the criticality of stringent product recall management.
The evolving regulatory landscape adds layers of complexity to product recalls, reshaping how consumer product safety is regulated and managed within global supply chains. Compliance hinges on maintaining robust communication channels throughout the supply chain, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making throughout the incident lifecycle – especially when violative products pose risks to consumer safety.
Since 1995, we have expertly managed thousands of global consumer product recall events and market withdrawals, and expertly mastered complex and evolving regulatory guidelines. Today we are proud to partner with 4 out of the world’s leading 5 retailers – discover how we can support you.
ESSENTIAL INSIGHT
For over a decade, Sedgwick brand protection has published its quarterly Recall Index report. Downloaded in more than 100 countries, the Index has established itself as the definitive guide to consumer product safety. Access high-level insights below and download our latest edition in full.
U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY & RECALL INSIGHTS
Quarter 2, 2024
In Q2 2024, there were 86 CPSC recalls, down 6.5% from Q1 2024. In contrast, the number of units increased by 67.3%, from 23.36 million in Q1 to 39.07 million in Q2.
Comparing the half-year (H1) 2024 with H1 2023, the 178 product recalls recorded to the end of June this year are 4.7% more than the 186 in H1 2023.The number of units recalled is higher with 62.43 million units recorded in H1 2024, compared to 43.78 million in H1 2023.
Sports & Recreation accounted for the most recalls by product category in Q2 2024, linked to 25 events. Home Furnishings and Décor was second with 13 recalls, and Children’s Products was third with nine events.
Quarter 1, 2024
In Q1 2024, there were 92 CPSC recalls, up 5.7% from Q4 2023. However, the number of recalled units dropped by 71.8% to 23.36 million compared to 82.79 million in Q4.
Fire was the leading cause of consumer product recalls by event in Q1 2024, tied to 19. This has been the leading product risk for the past 4 quarters. Burns was the second-leading concern with 15 events, followed by injury with 13 product recalls.
Sports & Recreation accounted for the most recalls by product category, linked to 24 events in Q1 2024. Children’s Products was second with 16 recalls, and Electronics was third with 13 events.
Quarter 4, 2023
The CPSC issued 87 product recalls in Q4 2023, up from 65 events in Q3. The change in units impacted was more significant, rising by 855.5% from 8.67 million last quarter to 82.79 million in Q4. Only two years in the last ten have recorded more impacted units.
Fire was the top consumer product hazard by event in Q4 2023, tied to 16 recalls, followed by Injury with 14 events and falls with 10 recalls. Choking was the top risk by unit with 70.64 million units impacted, followed by fire with 7.08 million units affected.
Children’s Products accounted for the most recalls by product category, linked to 21 events in Q4 2023. In terms of units impacted, Children’s Products was also the top product category with 70.88 million units recalled, or 85.6% of all units in Q4 2023.
Quarter 3, 2023
Both the number of recalls and the number of units recalled by the CPSC were lower in Q3 2023 compared to Q2 2023. There were 65 consumer product recalls compared to 76 events last quarter, a 14.5% drop. The change in units impacted was more significant, falling by 58.0% from 20.65 million last quarter to only 8.67 million in Q3. The average recall size was also lower, decreasing from 271,767 in Q2 to 133,308 units in Q3. Regulators issued $20.5 million in fines in Q3 2023.
Fire was the top consumer product hazard by event in Q3 2023, tied to 19 recalls. Lacerations was the second-leading concern with eight events, followed by injury and crash which each recorded seven recalls. Lacerations was also the top risk by volume with 2.42 million units affected, followed closely by fire with 2.41 million units impacted.
Sports & Recreation accounted for the most recalls by product category, linked to 17 events in Q3 2023. Yard and Garden was second with 11 recalls, and Children’s Products was third with seven events. In terms of units impacted, Home Furnishings was the top product category with 2.51 million units recalled, or 29.0% of all units in Q3. Home Appliances was second with 1.64 million units affected, followed by Sports & Recreation with 1.09 million units.
Despite a lower recall total, the number of reported incidents surged by 460.7% quarter-over-quarter, growing from 1,600 last quarter to 8,971 in Q3. The number of injuries also increased, though only by 9.0%. In addition, the number of deaths was slightly higher, with four in Q3 compared to three in Q2.
EUROPEAN CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY & RECALL INSIGHTS
Quarter 2, 2024
Consumer electronic product recall events across the EU and UK decreased by 56.6% between Q1 and Q2 2024, from 281 to 122. It is noteworthy that Q1 experienced the most consumer electronics recalls in more than 10 years. Electronics product recalls spread across 72 different product categories in Q2 2024. Lighting chains were the most common product impacted, tied to 13 recalls.
There were 162 toy product recalls across the EU and UK in Q2 2024, a slight increase from the 161 in Q1 2024. Choking was the most prevalent cause of European toy product recalls in Q2 2024 with 59 events. There were 15 recalls for soft toys, making it the top category in Q2 2024.
There were 53 clothing product recalls in Q2 2024, up 12.8% compared to the 47 events in Q1 2024. The combination of injuries and strangulation was the most common reason for clothing recalls, cited in 19 events in Q2 2024.
Quarter 1, 2024
Consumer electronics product recall events across the EU and UK increased 62.4% from 173 in Q4 2023 to 281 in Q1 2024. This marks their highest reported level in over ten years. The most prevalent risk was electric shock, which was linked to 74 product recalls as a single concern. When other issues such as fire, burns, and explosions are added, the total rises to 93.
There were 161 toy product recalls across the UK and EU in Q1 2024. That is a 19.3% increase from the 135 events in Q4 2023. Chemicals by itself was the most prevalent cause of European toy recalls in Q1 2024 with 49 events, up from 36 recall events last quarter.
There were 47 European clothing product recalls in Q1 2024, up 42.4% compared to the 33 events in Q4 2023. Children’s dresses had the most recalls of any product category in Q1 with nine events. Children’s shoes, children’s sweatshirts, and children’s trousers were the next most common categories.
Quarter 4, 2023
There were 173 consumer electronic product recalls across the EU and UK in Q4 2023, up 57.3% from Q3 and setting the new record for the most recalls in a single quarter. This record was previously set with 168 recalls in Q2 2023. The most common risk was environment, which was linked to 79 recalls. This marks the first quarter in more than 10 years that environment has been the leading cause.
For Q4 2023, there were 135 toy product recalls across the UK and EU, a 31.1% increase from the 103 events in Q3 2023, but a 37.8% decline from the 217 recall events from Q4 2022. Choking was the most common reason for toy recalls in Q4 2023 with 45 events. When combined with other risks such as injuries and suffocation, the total rises to 66. Chemicals was the second most-cited concern with 36 recalls.
There were 33 clothing product recalls across the UK and EU, representing a decline of 44.1% on Q3 2023. Hooded sweatshirts had the most recalls of any product category in Q4 with five events. If all categories of sweatshirts are considered, the total increases to seven. Tracksuits were the second-most common category with three recalls, and children’s flip-flops and children’s shoes had two recalls each.
Quarter 3, 2023
There were 110 consumer electronics product recalls across the EU and UK in Q3 2023, down 34.5% from Q2 2023. It is worth noting that the 168 recalls last quarter represented the most in this sector in more than 10 years, so it is not surprising that the total this quarter is lower.
There were 103 toy recalls across the UK and EU in Q3 2023, a 14.2% drop from the 120 events recorded in Q2 2023. Choking was the most common reason for toy recalls in Q3 with 36 events. When combined with other risks such as injuries and suffocation, the total rises to 44. Chemicals as a standalone cause was the second most-cited concern for Q3 with 24 recalls, though when other causes such as choking or injuries are added, the total rises to 28.
There were 59 clothing recalls in Q3 2023 in the UK and EU, representing a 49.6% drop from Q2 2023. Last quarter was the only quarter since Q4 2017 to exceed 100 recalls. Lower figures in Q3 are not unusual. The five-year average for third quarter recall is 43 events.
RETAIL & CONSUMER PRODUCT REMEDIATION PROGRAMS
While not every issue mandates a formal recall, swift and cautious action is indispensable in ensuring consumer safety.
For retailers and manufacturers alike, ensuring consumer safety extends beyond product recalls; it necessitates prompt and effective corrective actions to retrieve, remedy or replace expired or non-compliant products from the market. Speed, accuracy, and stringent quality control are imperative to facilitate successful remediation, underscoring a steadfast commitment to ensuring consumer safety and product quality.
Robust remediation programs serve as a testament to a company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards. They are not just reactive measures, but strategic investments aimed at fortifying quality systems, pre-empting future crises, and preserving brand integrity.
Leveraging three decades of industry experience and expertise, our proven best practice remediation strategies and executional proficiency provide comprehensive support to consumer product manufacturers and retailers.
INDUSTRY-LEADING CALL CENTER SOLUTIONS
With Sedgwick Brand Protection, gain 24-7-365 access to a global team of brand ambassadors ready to field calls from concerned customers.
Our expertise extends beyond the handling and resolution of product recall inquiries, to encompass a wide range of business and product related challenges – from market withdrawals, product safety alerts, corrective action programs, and much more. Since 1995 we have provided retailers and consumer product manufacturers with:
- Instant on-demand support that adds flexibility and agility to existing customer engagement infrastructures, alleviating pressure on resources as call volumes surge – ensuring vital day-to-day business operations are not compromised.
- Scalability in size and duration, from short-term engagements to long-term programs in response to one-time product recalls or persistent issues. Flexibility on-demand – simply dial up and down as required.
Case Study
How a potential benzene contamination led to a 4M+ unit recall of a 'high-demand' product.
Case study
Handling a flagship smartphone recall amid heightened global media coverage.
Case Study
Navigating the regulatory landscape: handling a 2.5M+ lithium ion battery recall.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Insights - 5-Year Snapshot
Discover the latest data and trends shaping the retail and consumer product sector.
European Consumer Product Safety Insights - 5-Year Snapshot
Discover the latest data and trends shaping the retail and consumer product sector.
SEDGWICK BRAND PROTECTION
The world's leading product recall company
For over 25 years, companies of all sizes and sectors have trusted our expertise in preparing for and managing their product-related challenges. Since 1995, we’ve successfully managed more than 7,000 of the most sensitive and time-critical product recall programs, spanning 100 countries and 50 languages.
Whether your in-house teams need scalability to maintain daily operations during a product crisis, or you require a complete end-to-end product recall solution, we have the experience to protect your brand and peace of mind.
If you’re currently facing a product recall, or seeking to enhance your recall readiness, contact us now.
About us
Since 1995, we’ve helped the world’s leading brands uphold their commitments of product safety to customers, supply chain partners and regulators. Our unrivalled experience spans more than 7,000 of the most sensitive and time-critical recall events, in over 100 countries and 50 languages. Discover more.
Industry-leading solutions
From product recall readiness audits and mock recall simulations, to complete turn-key withdrawal, retrieval, and remediation solutions – including regulatory guidance and reporting, we have the experience and resources to help manage your product wherever it is in market. Discover more.
Essential product safety insight
Featuring unrivalled analysis and perspective on the latest product safety regulation and recall trends, the Index report is the definitive guide to help mitigate recall risk, litigation, and reputational damage caused by product crises and in-market events. Downloaded in over 100 countries – get your copy now.
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Whether you’re planning for — or currently facing — a product recall, market withdrawal, or any other in-market product incident, our experts are on hand to support you.