Recently the EU imposed regulations affecting the materials used for the production of harp strings, the biggest manufacturer of which is in the UK. (Bow Brand) I doubt very much that the royalty over at the EU cared much when just about every classical harpist in the US began experiencing strings snapping right and left, unpredictably and disastrously disturbing performances. Keep in mind that 35 of a harp's 47 strings are made of (EU contaminated) gut, that those strings cost between $5 and $28 per string depending on length, that all harpists carry a full set in reserve and therefore cannot get refunds for broken EU-crap strings because they are always over 2 weeks old when they break. Moreover one's reputation and career will always be threatened if a string breaks during a concert or a wedding. The quality control is back on track for now, but the damage it has done is immense.
Want to hear what it's like? This world-renowned artist offers a sound clip from her disaster during the Ginastera Harp Concerto with the Columbus Symphony:
http://www.yolandaharp.com/#!No-Guts-No-Glory/hc5sh/56f55e220cf23c800ad1c7a6