Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse Urine Perfume: Why Online Bargains May Be Dangerous

Consumers hunting for affordable items on the internet might unknowingly purchase counterfeit goods, as seen in cases like perfumes tainted with horse urine. The counterfeit market, often linked to organized crime, has expanded due to the rise of e-commerce. Influencers are increasingly promoting these products to entice younger buyers, who prioritize low prices over brand authenticity.

Consumer advocates warn that beyond fakes, hazardous goods such as balloons and electrical chargers are also slipping through online marketplaces. The government is now drafting legislation to hold online retailers to the same safety standards as physical stores. While platforms claim to remove unsafe products, the pressure of rising bills and living costs is pushing more shoppers to seek budget-friendly deals.

Behind locked doors in Swansea’s former holding cells, trading standards officers revealed stacks of counterfeit goods filling entire rooms. Examples include Labubus toys with detachable eyes posing choking risks and Super Mario playthings containing harmful chemicals in their suction cups. K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls, though fake, are also faulty and potentially unsafe. “Cosmetics and perfume, when tested, have been found to contain horse urine, which is not ideal for skin contact,” noted Helen Barnham, head of enforcement campaigns at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

“Most of the public are drawn to these products, but younger consumers are especially vulnerable because they constantly seek cost-effective options,” said Barnham.

Consumer groups have long flagged the risks of low-quality goods sold online. While not exact replicas of authentic items, these products often bypass rigorous safety checks. Testing by The Ladder Association revealed all extendable telescopic ladders purchased online failed safety standards. “When they fail, they fail severely—they snap,” explained Peter Bennett, the association’s executive director.

Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association expressed concern over toys from overseas that ignore UK safety regulations. Investigations by Which? have uncovered items like energy-saving plugs that spark fires and baby sleeping bags that create suffocation hazards. Inga Becker-Hansen, product safety policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium, emphasized that accountability spans the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to online sellers.

“Major platforms are striving to protect customers by removing unsafe goods, but the responsibility for safety lies with every link in the supply chain,” Becker-Hansen stated.

Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted, establishing guidelines for targeting hazardous products sold online. The government is now consulting on the specific rules that will define enforcement measures and penalties under the law. “These reforms aim to modernize our safety system, close gaps, and ensure responsible businesses can thrive,” said consumer protection minister Kate Dearden. The new regulations will guarantee that unsafe or fake goods do not reach UK consumers.