Antiguans who shop online may unknowingly buy recalled or banned products. This is becoming a serious concern, officials say.

Director of Prices and Consumer Affairs, Orrin Steele, raised the alarm on Observer AM Monday. He warned that e-commerce growth exposes consumers to unsafe goods.

Moreover, researchers found more than 300 courier services now operate locally. Steele said this shows how digital shopping expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main risk comes from global trends. Products banned or recalled in other countries often re-enter online markets. Some countries only ban domestic sales, leaving goods available for export.

Therefore, Antiguans shopping on Amazon, Shein, Temu, AliExpress, or Alibaba can still access unsafe items. Steele stressed consumers rarely check if goods were recalled.

“Nobody looks back to see if the product was recalled or banned,” he said. “They see the price, log in, and check out.”

High-risk items include pharmaceuticals and vehicle parts. During consultations for the pharmacy bill, concerns arose about consumers importing prescription-grade or recalled medicines. Some products lack proper labels or dosage instructions.

Under the Consumer Protection Act 2025, Steele’s office can remove unsafe products from the market. They act on complaints, consult technicians, and target suppliers of defective or dangerous goods.

Additionally, products without clear labels or instructions are treated as unfit for sale or use. Steele said the office prefers prevention over reaction.

“If one person gets injured or dies from an unsafe part, that is unacceptable,” Steele said. “We aim to stop it before it happens.”

He also warned that buyers are responsible if a faulty online purchase causes harm. Therefore, consumers should research products and check for recalls before buying.

Finally, Steele encouraged the public to report unsafe items. His office continues to monitor the market and take action against suppliers who repeatedly sell dangerous or mislabeled goods.

Overall, online shopping offers convenience but requires caution. Consumers must stay alert, research items, and rely on official guidance to stay safe.