EU Project: Products Sold Online Violate EU Regulations

More than every second product examined that is offered on the Scandinavian market does not comply with the requirements of EU chemicals legislation. That is the result of a study in which the chemical agencies of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Iceland examined 361 different products, including toys, biocides, cosmetics, and electronic products. Authors Markus Klar, Karin Rumar, and Frida Ramström summarized their finding in their report, Nordic Project on Enforcement of Internet Trade.

The multifaceted violations related to EU regulations like REACH, CLP, RoHS, Biocide, Cosmetics, and Toys. The inspectors found a total of 75 substances that are allowed only limited use. Some 73 of the products inspected were labeled incorrectly, and 40 did not comply with the requirements of the Biocide Regulation (BPR).

It is especially concerning that substances of very high concern (SVHC) were also found. The inspectors identified diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in 23 products and short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) in 15 products. Lead was found in 19 of the electrical products inspected, and boron was found in 15 slime toys.

The sources of the defective products are interesting: Some 78% come from companies outside the EU. Only a third of the companies operate within the EU. That’s why the authors call for involving online suppliers in future implementation projects. The eighth major Forum enforcement project (Ref-8) has been running since the start of the year. A major goal of the project is to make companies aware of their obligations in online sales of chemicals, mixtures, and products and to support international collaboration with official agencies.

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