Russia bans Durex condoms: says they need further testing

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Durex condoms have been banned in Russia as Kremlin-backed study claimed they caused the spread of HIV.

Russia’s health care watchdog, Roszdravnadzor, said Durex was not abiding by the country’s laws. Medical products must undergo further technical and toxicological tests in line with the watchdog’s legislation, Tass news agency reports.

The only way for the brand to be put back on shop shelves would be if British maker Reckitt Benckiser complied with registration procedures or registered the condoms as a new product

“They [Durex condoms] are not registered in the proper manner,” said Mikhail Murashko, the head of the watchdog.

“The company must observe the law,” he said, as quoted by AFP .

Durex is one of more than 60 condom brands available in Russia, according to Mr Murashko. But it is a popular choice, accounting for more than 25 per cent of sales, according to local media.