Pardon, mon amour. How we got banned in France, even though we don't sell condoms there...
Updated on 4 November 2026
You may have seen the recent news about a condom recall in France. And perhaps you spotted YOU+ME among the brands mentioned.
So, what actually happened? No panic, no unnecessary drama. Just the facts, with a little French twist.
French authorities identified quality issues during laboratory testing of condoms sold under the French brand My Lubie.
These condoms are manufactured by Richter Rubber Technology (RRT), a Malaysian manufacturer that also produces condoms for YOU+ME and other European brands, including Einhorn and Amor.
As a precaution, the French authorities included additional batches from the same manufacturer and a similar production period in a broader recall list.
And that's how two YOU+ME batches ended up on the French list.
A little French paradox? We don't sell YOU+ME condoms in France at all, and we have no distribution network there. Yet two of our batches still made it onto the French recall list. Voilà!
To the best of our knowledge, the French authorities have neither directly tested these specific YOU+ME batches nor identified any manufacturing defects in them.
Both affected YOU+ME batches successfully passed testing according to the international ISO 4074 standard. This is confirmed by our manufacturing records and available independent laboratory test results.
What's more, we have received no customer complaints or reports of quality issues involving these products in our distribution markets.
Based on the information and documentation available to us, no manufacturing defect has been identified or demonstrated in our affected condoms.
We take the French safety measure seriously. And even though our test results don't indicate a problem, we've decided to act.
We are voluntarily and proactively recalling the affected batches from our distribution network as a precaution.
This recall was not ordered by the authorities in our distribution markets. It's our own decision, implemented together with our business partners.
Because when it comes to your safety, we'd rather go the extra mile. Even without a French stamp of approval.
YOU+ME Darling 3 pcs
LOT: 5981, EXP: 29/08/2030 and LOT: 6rri214, EXP: 29/12/2030
YOU+ME Darling 12 pcs
LOT: 5981, EXP: 29/08/2030 and LOT: 6rri214, EXP: 29/12/2030
YOU+ME Darling 50 pcs
LOT: 6rri214, EXP: 29/08/2030
All other YOU+ME production batches remain unaffected by our voluntary recall and continue to be sold without restrictions.
If you have any of the products listed above, please stop using them.
We'll replace them free of charge with the same product from another, unaffected batch. Just get in touch here or email us and provide the LOT number printed on the box packaging and on the individual condom foil.
Find the LOT number on the product packaging or individual foil wrapper.
Compare it with the list of affected products and batches above.
According to the documentation available to us, no manufacturing defect has been identified or demonstrated in the affected YOU+ME condoms.
Both batches passed the applicable ISO 4074 tests, as confirmed by manufacturing records and available independent laboratory test results.
To protect consumers, maintain trust in the YOU+ME brand and remove any doubts.
Although the available testing results do not indicate a manufacturing defect, we have decided to initiate a voluntary precautionary recall.
This specific precautionary withdrawal from our distribution network was initiated voluntarily by our company and was not ordered by the authorities in our distribution markets.
It follows the separate safety measure issued in France.
No. YOU+ME condoms are not sold through our sales or distribution network in France, and we have no direct commercial presence in the French market.
Yes. Other production batches are not affected by our voluntary precautionary recall, and their sale continues without restrictions.
However, customers are asked not to use the affected batches listed above.
No. We have received no customer complaints or reports of quality issues involving the affected products in our distribution markets.
Using a condom from an affected batch does not necessarily mean that protection failed.
However, if you are concerned about possible contraceptive failure, unintended pregnancy or exposure to a sexually transmitted infection, we recommend seeking medical advice promptly.
Some preventive options, including emergency contraception and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, are time-sensitive.
Business partners should check their inventories against the affected LOT numbers, suspend sales of the listed products and contact our team to coordinate the next steps.
We will arrange the appropriate procedure, including replacement of affected stock, in cooperation with our B2B partners.
Every condom undergoes electronic integrity testing designed to detect holes or defects in the latex.
Samples from each production batch are also subjected to laboratory tests according to ISO 4074.
We test for leakage, strength, shelf life, bursting pressure and bursting volume.
And yes, we really do inflate condoms until they burst.
Let's just say latex has to pass some pretty demanding exams. Possibly tougher than the paperwork at a French government office.
Natural latex comes from rubber trees, primarily grown in tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
The latex is collected, processed, applied to specially designed moulds and vulcanised to achieve the required elasticity and strength.
Our natural latex comes from southern Thailand, specifically the Hat Yai region. We work closely with the Regenerative Rubber Initiative (RRI), which is dedicated to making rubber production better for people and the planet.
As proud members of RRI, we support a more responsible approach to rubber production—one that respects the land, supports local communities, and helps build a greener future.
Because great love should feel good in every way.
Learn more at www.regenerativerubber.org.
Condom manufacturing begins with the preparation of a suitable latex mixture.
Specially designed glass moulds are dipped into the mixture, creating a thin latex film.
The film is subsequently dried and vulcanised to achieve the required elasticity and strength.
The condoms are then removed from the moulds, inspected, lubricated and individually packaged.
Quality-control procedures take place at different stages of production.
Ammonia is commonly used to stabilise natural latex during storage and processing.
It helps prevent premature coagulation and maintain the material in a suitable condition for manufacturing.
Proper process controls and correct handling of processing chemicals are important for maintaining consistent product quality.
Without confirmed technical findings, the use of ammonia cannot automatically be identified as the cause of a particular manufacturing problem.
Not necessarily.
Condom thickness alone does not determine safety.
Ultra-thin natural rubber latex condoms must meet the applicable requirements for mechanical performance, integrity and other safety-related properties.
Correct fit, proper use and undamaged packaging are also important.
Store condoms in a dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Avoid keeping condoms for extended periods in a wallet or hot car.
Always check the expiry date and packaging integrity before use.
Oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms, as they may weaken or damage the material.
Our test results do not indicate any manufacturing defects, and we have received no customer complaints regarding the quality of the affected condoms. Nevertheless, we have decided to take precautionary action.
Together with our business partners, we're withdrawing the affected batches from distribution and offering free replacements to all customers who have them.
The French have their lists. We have our priorities. And our number one priority is YOU!
Because forever love is built on trust. And we take that seriously.
Merci for understanding! 🇫🇷
Three cheers for safer sex!
YOU+ME Team
Media and business partner contact:
Roman Kocián, kocian@primeros.cz
PRIMEROS s.r.o.
Římská 103/12, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
Customer contact: hello@youmecondom.com
