New mapping: Chemicals and safety deficiencies in goods from foreign online stores

Maria Hammarling, expert at Sweden's Consumers (Press image)

Price still rules.

A new study from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute shows that goods directly imported from foreign e-commerce platforms often contain chemicals in concentrations exceeding EU limit values. In 2025, almost 5.9 billion low-value shipments were imported into the EU, a significant volume increase that complicates the control of product safety.

The mapping, which covers the product groups electronics, textiles, toys and jewelry, indicates that the directly imported goods largely lack traceability and correct labeling. This means that the goods reach the market without being covered by the ordinary European protection system.

The identified deficiencies encompass all investigated categories. Electronics and toys exhibit both technical safety deficiencies and the presence of prohibited substances such as lead and phthalates. Within textiles and jewelry, risks related to heavy metals, dyes, and PFAS are found.

A central challenge is that many chemical-related risks are difficult for consumers to detect. Unlike, for example, poor quality or a product not matching the image in the online store, chemical content is rarely visible. Some substances can also have effects only after prolonged exposure," says Amanda Martvall, project manager at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

The accompanying consumer survey confirms that price is the single strongest driver when purchasing from foreign e-retailers. At the same time, it appears that targeted information has a significant impact on customer behavior. Of the consumers who have previously shopped on the relevant platforms, 72 percent stated that they would consider making more purchases. However, when the same group was informed that the products do not meet the EU's requirements for safety and chemical content, the willingness to repurchase dropped to 35 percent.

The survey shows that increased knowledge can affect purchasing behavior. Therefore, we must intensify information efforts to reach consumers broadly. At the same time, it is not possible to inform away a large global problem, but it must be combined with stronger consumer protection and supervision," says Maria Hammarling, expert at Sweden's Consumers, who participates in the research project.

To address the structure behind the trade, the customs exemption for low-value shipments was abolished in July 2026, and further legislation is under development. Natali Qvarfort, business policy expert at Swedish Trade, notes that the new legislation is both comprehensive and long-awaited, but that it will likely take three years before it can be fully applied. During this transition period, she urges the industry to take initiative on its own to reduce the influx of unsafe products and prepare for the upcoming regulations.

Editorial Staff