Chemical substances in products: Requirements for webshops and importers

Illegal chemical substances found in products purchased online highlight the need for documentation and product control

Problematic chemical substances are found in far more products than many companies realise. Webshops that sell textiles, jewellery, toys or other consumer products also need to consider the regulations governing the chemical content of those products.

This was highlighted by a study conducted for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, where Force Technology carried out most of the analyses of 80 children's fashion products purchased online. Several products contained illegal chemical substances, and violations were most common among products purchased through large online marketplaces.

When buying products directly from a supplier outside the EU, companies are considered importers and will become responsible for ensuring that the products comply with relevant EU requirements. This makes it essential to understand the chemical content of products and have the necessary documentation in place.

A pair of pink perforated clogs with star-shaped details rests on a pink surface against a matching pink background. — Chemical regulations also apply to everyday consumer products such as children’s products, accessories, jewellery, clothing and plastic items sold online.

Report finds several illegal substances in children's products purchased online

In October 2026, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency published a report on chemical substances in children's products purchased online. The report is based on a project carried out in 2025 and the start of 2026, in which Force Technology was responsible for project management and conducted most of the chemical analyses.

The study identified illegal chemical substances in a number of products and revealed significant differences between the various sales channels. For webshops, importers and product owners, the results highlight the importance of understanding product origin, supply chains and documentation.

Key findings from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency report

80 products from three types of webshops

80 children’s fashion products from three types of businesses were examined:
- Danish webshops (32)
- International online marketplaces (32)
- Dropshipping stores (16)

Analysis of seven groups of chemical substances

The products included clothing with plastic prints, shoes, bags, bibs, snowsuits, gloves, wetsuits and jewellery.
The products were tested for PFAS, phthalates, PAHs, SCCPs, lead, cadmium and nickel release.

13 products exceeded regulatory limits

13 out of 80 products (16%) exceeded one or more legal limit values:
- 28% from international online marketplaces
- 9% from Danish webshops
- 6% from dropshipping stores

Jewellery accounted for most violations

Most cases of non-compliance for content of lead and cadmium as well as nickel release were found in inexpensive jewellery.
The results generally indicate a higher risk for products shipped directly from countries outside the EU.

Which chemicals can be found in children’s products bought online?

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s report maps and assesses the risks of chemical substances in products for children purchased online. Explore the findings from the analyses and the identified risks.

Read the report

The company's role determines the responsibility

Companies that market products to Danish consumers are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with the relevant chemical regulations. This applies regardless of whether products are sold through physical stores, a webshop or another digital platform.

The company’s specific role depends, among other things, on where the products originate. If products are sourced from a supplier within the EU, the company will typically act as a distributor. If the company purchases products directly from a supplier outside the EU, it will take on the role of importer.

As importers, companies have an independent responsibility to ensure that their products comply with applicable EU requirements. This may include requirements related to chemical substances, labelling and the documentation that must accompany the product. It is therefore important that companies clarify their role before products are placed on the market.

Three business models – three different roles

A webshop with its own inventory purchases, stores and sells products directly to customers. If products are sourced from a supplier within the EU, the webshop will typically act as a distributor. If products are purchased directly from a supplier outside the EU, the webshop will instead take on the role of importer, with an independent responsibility for ensuring that the products comply with relevant EU requirements.
In a dropshipping model, products are shipped directly from a third party to the customer. Even though the webshop does not physically handle the product, it is still responsible for ensuring that the products it markets and sells comply with relevant regulations. Whether the business acts as a distributor or an importer depends on the specific business model and supply chain.
International online marketplaces often facilitate sales between third-party sellers and customers. As a result, the responsible economic operator will be the company selling the product through the platform and by default not the platform itself. Businesses should clarify the identity and responsibilities of the seller before sourcing products or placing them on the market.

Do you know the chemical content of your products?

If you source products from new suppliers, complex supply chains or suppliers outside the EU, chemical testing can be an important supplement to supplier documentation. We help companies identify regulated and restricted substances and gain insight into the chemical content of their products.

Learn about chemical analysis of consumer products

Chemical substances in products purchased online: What are companies responsible for?

Illegal chemical substances found in products purchased online highlight the need for documentation and product control

Report finds several illegal substances in children's products purchased online

Key findings from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency report

Which chemicals can be found in children’s products bought online?

The company's role determines the responsibility

Three business models – three different roles

Danish webshops with their own inventory

Dropshipping stores

International online marketplaces

Do you know the chemical content of your products?

Related content

Which chemicals can be found in children’s products bought online?

The company's role determines the responsibility

Three business models – three different roles

Danish webshops with their own inventory

Dropshipping stores

International online marketplaces

Do you know the chemical content of your products?

Related content