All 15 hard-shell suitcases damaged in durability tests carried out by consumer watchdog

The Consumer Council tested 15 hard-shell suitcases with zipper closure for durability, with all models showing varying degrees of wear or damage such as detached wheels and cracked shells.

The consumer watchdog also found that one suitcase's carry handle was detected with phthalates exceeding the European Union limit by 45 times during chemical testing, while the retractable handle of another model was found to have a high concentration of carcinogenic chemical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

The 15 tested models were all medium-sized hard-shell suitcases ranging from 24 to 28 inches in height, with prices ranging from HK$730 to HK$8,200.

All suitcase models showed varying degrees of damage or wear after running for 90km in a road test performance bearing a 14kg or 16kg load. Seven were found with body cracks, loosened or snapped retractable handles, and detached wheels.

The watchdog noted the retractable handle of the most expensive suitcase had snapped after covering less than 60km in the test.

The handles of 6 models snapped or came loose, while the shells of some even cracked when shaken over 1,000 times.

Regarding the chemical tests for four types of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP), one handle out of 15 samples was detected with DEHP at concentrations of 4.6 percent, which exceeds the EU REACH Regulation's upper limit by 45 times.

Research has shown that DEHP could hinder the normal growth of children and might impair the male reproductive system, while contact with DEHP during pregnancy may also affect fetal development.

In addition, one sample's handle was detected with higher levels of PAHs - which exceeded the upper limit of the German voluntary labeling scheme - though still in compliance with EU requirements.

Consumer Council added that although people might not absorb large amounts of these chemical substances through skin contact with the handles under normal circumstances, the associated risk may increase if the user has eczema or open wounds on their hands.