Gas cartridges and LPG cylinders sold in the EU comply with EU standards, tests to determine their safety and reliability have shown. These are the findings of a campaign led by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).
The outcome highlights the continuing success of cooperation between DG GROW and market surveillance authorities to ensure a safe and fair single market.
A selection of gas cartridges and LPG cylinders from several EU countries was tested in an accredited laboratory.
Non-refillable gas cartridges
A total of 39 gas cartridges – models with both valves and ones that have to be pierced – were tested. All 39 samples passed the tests for design and construction, pressure strength and gas tightness.
A total of 44 samples were checked for conformity with requirements for warnings, markings and instructions: 16 failed. The reasons included deficiencies in certificates from the conformity assessment procedure and missing information. On some samples, warnings had not been provided in the appropriate national language(s) or had been incorrectly translated.
LPG cylinders
In addition, 19 LPG cylinders were tested: 16 made of welded steel and 3 of composite materials.
The condition of the outside and inside surfaces was examined. The cylinder threads and valves were inspected and pressure strength and gas tightness were tested.
All samples passed the pressure tests and the thread and valve inspection.
Eight steel cylinders failed due to damage of the exterior – dents, cracks and corrosion, particularly around the foot ring and joints. Corrosion was detected on the inside surfaces of some of the cylinders.
Twenty-three samples were checked for conformity with requirements for warnings, markings and instructions: eight were found to be non-compliant.
No risk to consumers
All cartridges and cylinders passed the critical safety tests and no serious risks were identified.
For the 16 gas cartridges that failed tests on warnings, markings and instructions, EU market surveillance authorities asked the economic operators to correct shortcomings and add warnings. One product was withdrawn from the online marketplace.
The eight LPG cylinders that were found to be non-compliant were also classified as low risk. Manufacturers were asked to make the necessary corrections.
A coordinated effort
The testing was part of the Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) 2024. Market surveillance authorities across the EU jointly selected and checked the compliance of products sold on the single market with EU health, safety and environmental standards. LPG cylinders and gas cartridges were identified as two of 16 product categories for investigation.
DG GROW works to maintain high standards for products sold in the EU, to protect consumers and ensure a fair single market for businesses. It collaborates with market surveillance authorities in each EU country to enforce product compliance in the EU and help businesses understand and comply with EU product regulations.
Safety concerns with products can be reported to market surveillance authorities.
More information
Details
- Publication date
- 1 July 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs