Danish consumers are increasingly exposed to products containing harmful chemicals purchased from foreign online platforms, raising concerns about potential health risks. A new report and studies highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations, effective controls, and increased consumer awareness.

The Nordic Council of Ministers’ report reveals that 70% of products bought online violate chemical legislation. This is further supported by tests from the Danish Consumer Council THINK, which found illegal levels of PFAS in 12 out of 17 jackets. Research from the Technical University of Denmark also indicates that over 100 chemicals used in plastic toys could harm children’s health.

Denmark has focused on controlling harmful chemicals since 2006, specifically targeting those that disrupt hormones, cause cancer, or impair reproductive abilities. However, existing legislation is insufficient.

To address this, new rules are needed to hold foreign trading platforms accountable as importers, ensuring effective monitoring and control of the products they sell. The potential consequences of accumulating these chemicals in the body are largely unknown, underscoring the need for preventative measures.

Information is a crucial tool in protecting consumers, as complete control of every package entering the country is impossible. While laws and controls are essential, consumers must be empowered to make informed choices.

Official ecolabels like the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel set strict chemical requirements to protect consumers. The Danish Consumer Council THINK’s Kemiluppen tool also allows individuals to check products for unwanted chemicals.

A Norstat survey reveals that three out of five Danes are concerned about harmful chemicals when shopping on Temu, while two out of five are not. Increasing awareness is essential to bridge this gap.

As the current chemical effort expires in 2025, continued consumer information is crucial in the fight against illegal and dangerous products. Without informed consumers, purchasing products from foreign online platforms poses significant health risks.