Norway fights illegal chemicals in products purchased online

Demanding greater control over products purchased online from outside Europe.

Illegal chemicals in products purchased online

Random checks on Temu products carried out in Norway revealed dangerously advanced concentrations of harmful substances specified as phthalates, chlorinated paraffins, lead and cadmium. Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen asked the Norwegian Environment Directorate (Miljødivoktoratet) to intensify the control of products sold on online platforms outside Europe specified as Temu, Shein and Alibaba.

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Chemicals in products purchased online from outside Europe

Shopping in Norway must be safe. We cannot accept the sale and promotion of products that can harm people. That is why I asked Miljødivoktoratet to increase the supervision of products from platforms outside Europe," Eriksen said.

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Global platforms are the problem

Norwegian government clearly defines which substances cannot be found in products and besides gives the anticipation to enforce these regulations against companies that do not comply with the rules. However, the problem is global platforms specified as Temu, Shein, want and Alibaba, on which thousands of sellers offer their goods, sending them straight to consumers.

Compliance of products with the rules is important

– The sellers are liable for the compliance and safety of the products. Unfortunately, not everyone takes it seriously enough," Eriksen stressed.

The Minister of Climate and Environment intends to take respective measures simultaneously to defend consumers from toxic substances in products purchased online. 1 of them is to intensify control. In addition, it plans to tighten Norwegian law and strengthen cooperation with another Nordic and European countries to reduce imports of harmful substances.

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Stricter rules needed

W The Norwegian Minister will conduct dialogues with, among others, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and the Minister of Finance, examining the possibilities of introducing stricter marketing regulations, the work of digital sales platforms and customs regulations.

– Last week the European Commission announced more coordinated action in this area. Norway should besides take part. This is simply a problem we will not solve alone," Eriksen added.

What can consumers do?

Although the situation is serious, consumers can besides act for their own safety.
– The best way to avoid toxic substances in products is to choice items marked with the Svanemerket certificate. specified products are free from harmful chemicals," said the minister.

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