On January 28, 2012, the Official Journal of the European Union published European Commission resolution 2012/48/EU, extending the validity of resolution 2009/251/EC. Resolution 2009/251/EC prohibited the placement of all products containing dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on the EU market. In France, Poland, Finland, Sweden, and the UK, consumers reported severe allergic reactions, and investigations found that DMF was the cause. Subsequently, the EU adopted resolution 2009/251/EC in March 2009, requiring member states to ensure that products containing DMF were not placed on the market and to recall products containing DMF from the market from May 1, 2009. Dimethyl fumarate is a biocidal agent used in the manufacture of packaging for footwear, furniture, and electronic products to prevent leather parts or objects from becoming moldy and spoiling during storage and transport due to exposure to humid air. Dimethyl fumarate, often found in small packages inside furniture and shoe boxes, evaporates and adheres to the product. Upon contact with consumer skin, it can cause dermatitis, itching, irritation, redness, and burns, and even respiratory difficulties. While foreign manufacturers could still use dimethyl fumarate in products exported to the EU until the adoption of EU Directive 2009/251/EC in 2009, EU Directive 98/8/EC has banned its use in products manufactured in the EU. In 2009, the EU, under Directive 2001/95/EC (General Product Safety), prohibited the use of dimethyl fumarate in products manufactured within the EU.
