Market research firm GfK reports that in the first quarter of this year, Dutch people spent over 100 million euros in online shops from China. For products that consumers order from webshops outside Europe, there is a risk that they may not comply with European legislation. By buying from European webshops, consumers reduce the risk of buying unsafe products. So says Femke Affourtit of Waarzitwatin, which provides independent information on chemicals in consumer products.
Photo: Dreamstime.
"In Europe, there are strict safety requirements for products. European webshops themselves must ensure that the products they sell meet these requirements. For products that consumers order from webshops outside Europe, there is a chance that they do not comply with European legislation. This can be dangerous. Think of harmful substances in clothes, cosmetics or toys. Consumers reduce the risk of buying unsafe products when they buy from European webshops.
In clothes and accessories, chemicals keep them in good condition while being worn and washed. Many chemicals in clothes and accessories do not pose a risk to health. The safety of a small group of chemicals is subject to debate. Examples include dyes, heavy metals, plasticisers and PFAS. Additional rules apply to these substances in Europe. For instance, it is laid down which azo-dyes and heavy metals may and may not be used, certain plasticisers may only be present in very small quantities and some substances from the PFAS group, PFOA and PFOS, are prohibited in clothing and accessories.
When buying products online, consumers should also be alert to dropshipping. This is where a webshop places the order with a supplier outside Europe. This supplier then sends the product directly to the consumer. As a result, the product may not meet European requirements and may be less safe."
More information:
Waarzitwatin
www.waarzitwatin.nl
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