Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse Urine Perfume: Why Online Bargains May Be Dangerous

Consumers shopping online for affordable items risk falling victim to counterfeit goods, with some products even containing horse urine. The surge in e-commerce has created new opportunities for criminal activity, as the illegal trade in fakes fuels organised crime networks. Social media and online marketplaces now play a key role in distributing these items, often targeting younger buyers who are drawn to their low prices.

Consumer watchdogs have raised alarms about the variety of unsafe products being sold, from balloons to electrical chargers. These items, though not always exact replicas, pose similar risks to genuine goods. For instance, a survey by The Ladder Association found that all extendable telescopic ladders purchased online failed basic safety tests, snapping unexpectedly and endangering users.

“When they fail, they fail catastrophically. They basically snap,” said Peter Bennett, executive director of The Ladder Association.

Meanwhile, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) reported that testing revealed horse urine in some counterfeit perfumes, raising concerns about skin exposure. Helen Barnham, head of enforcement campaigns at the IPO, noted: “Cosmetics and perfume, when we had some tested, have had horse urine in them so you don’t want to be putting that on your skin.”

Online retailers claim they are actively removing unsafe and counterfeit goods, but experts argue the supply chain must share responsibility. Inga Becker-Hansen of the British Retail Consortium emphasized: “The responsibility for consumer safety sits with the whole supply chain – from manufacturers and importers through to online marketplaces.”

As cost-of-living pressures mount due to the ongoing impact of the Iran war, more shoppers are turning to digital platforms for cheaper alternatives. However, this trend has also led to a rise in substandard products entering the UK market. Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association warned about toys from overseas that bypass strict UK safety standards, potentially harming children.

The government has introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 to address these issues, with new rules now under review. Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden stated: “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe sales and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.”