With the holiday season around the corner and the peak travel season to follow suit, the Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC) evaluated the durability and chemical safety level of 15 medium-sized hardshell suitcases on the market. It reported that the handles of one of the brands contained 4.6 percent of the phthalates DEHP in some of its constituent parts, which is 45 times more than the EU-allowed limit. DEHP is said to cause damage to the male reproductive system and affect the growth of children. Four models received the highest overall ratings from the test, and one of them was priced at less than HK$2,000 (US$260).
Among the four samples with the highest overall score of 4.5 points (Muji, Victorinox, ECHOLAC, and LOJEL), three are priced at less than HK$3,000 (US$385). “Muji,” the cheapest among the four, was said to be sold at retail for around HK$1,980 (US$385). “Remova,” the most expensive sample overall with the highest asking price at HK$8,200 (US$1050), has an overall score rating of 3.5.
The test, this time, examined the amount of 4 phthalates contained in the materials of the parts that the user can come into contact with, such as the handles and the pull rods of each model. The results were said to show that the DEHP content of the materials in the handles of the “Delsey Paris” St. Tropez 24-inch sample reached 4.6 percent, far exceeding the EU REACH standard (0.1 percent) by 45 times. In addition, tiny amounts of DEHP and DBP were also detected in the materials of the handles and pull rods of “Harajuku,” and “Hallmark Design Collection.” However, the amounts of these were within the upper limit set by the EU REACH regulations.
The Consumer Council pointed out that studies have shown that DEHP can hinder the normal growth of children and may also cause damage to male reproductive health. If pregnant women are exposed to DEHP, it may affect fetal development.
In addition, various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the carry handles and retractable handle grip of the “Hallmark Design Collection” sample. Although they comply with EU regulations, the amount of benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene still exceeds the upper limit required by the German GS Mark. The Consumer Council pointed out that both PAHs have been rated as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Consumer Council pointed out that Hong Kong currently does not set its own upper limits on the content of phthalates and PAHs in general consumer products, and therefore recommended that concerned departments refer to relevant European regulations to examine whether there is a need to reinforce their regulations on the content of phthalates and PAHs in luggage transporting products.
In addition, the Consumer Council also conducted tests under simulated daily use conditions to examine the durability of the wheels, trunks, handles, or pull rods of each suitcase. Among them, each sample carrying 14 kg (31 lb.) or 16 kg (35 lb.) of weight was placed on a simulated road at an angle and moved continuously for 90 km (56 miles) at a speed of 5 km (3 miles) per hour. The results showed that all samples suffered varying degrees of wear and tear, while seven of them were considered to be serious, such as with wheels falling off, cases cracking, pull rods or pull rod handles breaking, or working loose, among others.
Two of the models were said to experience problems after going less than 40 km (25 miles). They are the “American Tourister” sample, where the connection between the main body and the wheels, or the bottom is cracked, and the pull rod or the pull rod handle became loose or broken; and the “V-ROOX Studio” sample had its pull rod, or pull rod handle breaking or coming loose after 37.5 km (23 miles).
Passengers often need to drag their suitcases up and down the stairs. During such tests of dragging it down 400 steps of a staircase, three models experienced cracks in the joints between the main body and the wheels, and deformation of the pull rods. Among them, “the pull rods of the ELLE sample started to see deformation after being dragged 45 steps and failed to extend and contract normally.
The waterproof test was taken under simulated heavy rain with water sprayed for five minutes on the suitcase samples lying flat on the ground. The Consumer Council reported that the “TUMI” sample tested could completely prevent rainwater from seeping in, while the inner compartment of all the remaining 14 models showed varying degrees of water seepage, with ten of them even showing clear signs of water accumulation. The Consumer Council hypothesized that this may be due to the zipper not being woven with waterproof fabric.
The Consumer Council also investigated the warranty period of the different brands. Fifteen of them offer warranties ranging from two years to eternity, and seven of which were covered by a global warranty, with one model just excluding the United States and Canada from its global coverage, while the remaining eight have their warranty limited to only their place of purchase, meaning Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, or mainland China. Fourteen models require users to register or present official receipts when asking for maintenance and repair services. Some also require the original warranty certificate to be accompanied by other identification, such as the seal of the store and purchase date, so consumers are advised to keep all relevant papers in a safe place.
The Consumer Council also reminds consumers not to sit on the suitcase when using it to avoid putting extra pressure on the main body, pull rods, and wheels, thus causing damage. They should use the handles to lift the suitcase instead of the pull rods to avoid increasing the risk of damage. They should avoid using strong detergents to clean the suitcase surface. It is recommended to wipe the outside of the suitcase with a cloth moistened with water, and then wipe it again with a dry cloth. When it is not in use, the suitcase should be covered with a dust bag and stored in a dry place to avoid direct sunlight.
The Consumer Council’s detailed report can be downloaded from its official website but is only available in Chinese.
