GARVEE · Buoyancy Aid

The product is marketed and packaged as a “life jacket”, despite being identified within the product documentation and markings as a 50N buoyancy aid. A buoyancy aid does not provide the same level of protection as a life jacket and requires active participation from the wearer to remain afloat, whereas a life jacket is designed to provide face-up flotation without user intervention. The misleading description may cause consumers to overestimate the level of protection offered and use the product in circumstances for which it is not suitable, increasing the risk of drowning. The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (PPE).

Published: 16 October 2026
Notifying authority: United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland
Catalog checked: 23 October 2026

What should you do?

Check the authority measure and original alert.

Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: Importer. Category of measure(s): Import rejected at border. Date of entry into force: Unknown. Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: Importer. Category of measure(s): Destruction of the product. Date of entry into force: Unknown

Official source alert

Product identification

Safety Gate reference: SR/02862/26
Model: AGJ003
Batch: 26030976

Classification

Category: Protective equipment
Risk type: Drowning
Country of origin: People's Republic of China

Product description

Buoyancy aid with adjustable belt as well as attached whistle. It is identified as a “life jacket” on the box but as a “buoyancy aid” on the product.