EU and Nordic Nations Unite to Tackle E-Commerce Health Risks

In a significant move to address the challenges posed by global e-commerce, the Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish governments have announced a cooperative initiative aimed at halting the distribution of products deemed harmful to public health and the environment. This announcement, made on June 10, 2025, underscores the urgency with which these Scandinavian nations view the growing prevalence of hazardous substances in online retail products, particularly those sourced from platforms outside the European Union (EU).

The Norwegian Environment Agency has reported alarming findings, indicating that 30% of products purchased from online stores contain illegal substances, thus raising concerns about consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, stated, "It remains a major challenge to hold global eCommerce platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Wish responsible for product safety. Ensuring that our customers can shop with peace of mind is paramount."

Amidst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over product safety, the Scandinavian governments are advocating for a comprehensive reform of EU customs regulations. The European Commission's proposal, introduced in 2023 to amend the Union Customs Code (UCC), aims to eliminate exemptions for goods valued under €150 and enhance the accountability of e-commerce platforms. This initiative comes at a time when the European Parliament is actively discussing these reforms, with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden urging swift action.

Yves Melin, Co-Chair of the IBA International Trade and Customs Law Committee, emphasized the challenges that customs brokers currently face due to the vast number of online transactions, stating, "Airport customs brokers now grapple with ‘a zillion boxes’ and ‘billions of declarations a year.’" The lack of traditional distributors complicates the verification of product compliance with EU regulations, as many global e-commerce platforms operate independently of European oversight.

The proposed reforms include the establishment of a new EU Customs Authority, which will oversee a central data hub to improve compliance and enforcement of product standards across member states. Melin noted, "People are going to be able to use the data to improve enforcement at the border, which is the challenge today."

Additionally, the EU’s Forced Labour Ban Regulation, which came into effect at the end of 2024, will further complicate the landscape for e-commerce platforms. This regulation aims to prevent products made with forced labor from entering the EU market and will apply broadly to all companies selling products in the EU by December 2027. Anna Kirkpatrick, an officer with the IBA Business Human Rights Committee, stated that major e-commerce companies will likely be affected by this regulation due to its expansive reach.

“Taking steps early to implement human rights policies and due diligence will be key for companies that have supply chains in countries with high risks of forced labor,” she said. The regulation requires that authorities consider a company's due diligence practices before initiating investigations, adding another layer of responsibility for e-commerce businesses.

Legal experts suggest that while real-time cooperation between national authorities and enhanced customs enforcement is critical, robust contractual agreements between e-commerce platforms and suppliers could provide a defensive strategy against regulatory scrutiny. Ennio Piovesani, an attorney specializing in international contract law, remarked, "Mandatory disclosure of manufacturing origin could be a contractual defense for addressing these issues in the first place."

The Scandinavian governments' intervention reflects a proactive approach to a complex issue that intertwines public health, environmental safety, and international commerce. As the EU continues to refine its regulatory framework, the implications of these reforms will reverberate across the e-commerce landscape, challenging both consumers and retailers to navigate an increasingly regulated environment.

As discussions progress, the urgency of addressing these pressing issues is clear, particularly given the potential for illicit goods to proliferate through unregulated channels. The proposed reforms are expected to reshape the future of e-commerce in Europe, prioritizing consumer safety and environmental sustainability while holding international platforms accountable for compliance.

In conclusion, the collaboration among the Nordic nations and their advocacy for EU-wide reforms signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of e-commerce regulation, with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental protection across Europe.