Counterfeit condoms: fake protection, real risk warns EU Anti-Fraud Office OLAF

Press release no 15/2026
PDF version 

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has successfully traced and analysed a cross-border trafficking route used for the distribution of more than 200,000 counterfeit condoms in Europe. The fake condoms were sold in Europe using the name and logo of a well-known brand. 

Speaking in Brussels, following the completion of the enquiry, OLAF Director-General Petr Klement said: “Counterfeit condoms are dangerous. They are untested, uncontrolled and unsafe. They can allow for the spread of sexually transmitted infections. That is why OLAF targeted the networks behind this illicit trade.”

OLAF conducted an in-depth analysis of its databases and open-source information, having received initial intelligence from national authorities. OLAF did a comparative analysis of the products seized in Romania, Serbia and Spain, alongside national customs authorities, and it established that the counterfeit products originated from a common source in China. 

Working with Chinese authorities, OLAF identified the exporter behind the shipments. The goods had been falsely declared as toys, seemingly to evade national authorities’ controls. In Europe, condoms are categorised as medical devices. When entering the EU, they must meet specific health and safety standards. They require CE certification and must comply with standards like ISO 4074 to prove they are safe and effective. 

As a result of OLAF’s investigation, OLAF managed to disrupt a significant inflow of condoms that do not meet EU quality requirements like microbial contamination controls, biocompatibility, leak-testing, dimensional requirements, shelf-life and stability testing. 

The use of these condoms would have exposed the consumer to health risks such as STIs, unplanned pregnancies and exposure to unsafe chemicals and materials. The original market value of these condoms was put at over 200,000 euro.

OLAF will continue to work closely with national authorities, rights holders and international partners to identify emerging threats and, disrupt illicit supply chains of counterfeit goods. 

OLAF mission, mandate and competences:

OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop wrongdoings related to EU funds.

OLAF fulfils its mission by:

• carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
• contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
• developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:

• all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
• some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
• suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

For further details:

Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
Email: olaf-mediaec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
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