Außenhandel: Unsichere Maschinen aus China: VDMA fordert Importverbote

German machine manufacturers are calling for stricter market surveillance on imports from third countries to prevent the delivery of unsafe machines to Europe. These compromised machines threaten fair competition and undermine European safety standards, warned the industry association VDMA. "Manufacturers of unsafe machines from third countries must be placed on a blacklist," and this should immediately result in an import ban to prevent the supply of such machines to Europe, similar to countries like the USA and India.

According to a recent survey of over 400 member companies, nearly two-thirds face competition from machines that do not meet essential safety requirements, often originating from China, but also other countries. Deficiencies mentioned include missing emergency shut-off systems, inadequate protective devices, or deficiencies in electrical safety.

Over half of the affected firms reported losing contracts due to price advantages gained by competitors with lower safety standards. The "Welt am Sonntag" had reported this earlier. "Safety must not be a competitive disadvantage," said VDMA Managing Director Thilo Brodtmann. "Our companies abide by European safety regulations and invest significant resources in safe machines.

They must not be put at a disadvantage compared to suppliers who disregard statutory requirements and gain cost advantages as a result." Besides import bans for prominent manufacturers, VDMA also calls for stricter product controls and coordinated market monitoring. "The results show that existing market surveillance structures are insufficient to effectively keep unsafe products out of the European market," he added. The consequences include safety risks for employees.