On 18 July 2025, the French spectrum regulator ANFR ordered the withdrawal and recall of the HONOR 6XS (model VNE-LX3) from the French market. The decision followed a regulatory investigation which found that the device lacked CE marking, confirming it does not meet European compliance requirements and should never have been made available for sale in the EU. This type of recall is relatively rare, particularly for smartphones. Both new and used or refurbished devices are typically subject to fewer public enforcement actions related to CE non-compliance. However, according to information received by SecondaryMarket.news, this may soon change. From 1 September 2025, EU market surveillance authorities, including agencies similar to ANFR, are expected to step up enforcement of CE regulations, with a specific focus on smartphones sold on the secondary market.
Legal basis for withdrawal measures
Based on article L. 43 of the French Electronic Communications Code, ANFR issued a formal order to GOODMASTER TECHNOLOGY LIMITED to take all necessary steps to correct the issue. In the absence of corrective action by the manufacturer, the agency issued a decision mandating market withdrawal and recall of the HONOR 6XS.
Distributors bear shared responsibility
According to French law, distributors must act when they have reason to believe a product is non-compliant. This includes both physical and online sales platforms, which are required to withdraw or recall affected products independently if necessary.
Consumers advised to return devices
Owners of the HONOR 6XS (VNE-LX3) are urged by ANFR to contact their original point of sale to learn how to return their device. Regulatory agents continue to monitor the market to prevent further circulation of the affected units.
Conclusion
Is this the first recall of its kind? And could this mark the beginning of stricter enforcement of CE compliance across the EU? In the past, there have been isolated incidents — including a case in Belgium where local authorities seized an entire batch of US-spec used Apple iPhones. But since then, the issue of CE compliance has largely faded from public attention. The recent action by France’s ANFR may signal a shift. If followed by other national regulators, it could mark the start of a broader EU-wide push to ensure a more level playing field, especially for imported and secondary market devices. Time will tell. What is certain is that SecondaryMarket.news will continue to follow and report on these developments closely.
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