Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse Urine Perfume: Why Online Bargains May Be Dangerous

As shoppers seek budget deals online, they risk encountering counterfeit goods that pose unexpected dangers. A recent case highlighted the issue of perfume laced with horse urine, drawing attention to the broader problem of unsafe products entering the market through digital platforms. The illicit trade of fakes is not only a financial concern but also a catalyst for organized crime, with influencers sometimes endorsing items that attract younger buyers.

Consumer advocates warn that beyond counterfeit items, a range of hazardous products—like balloons and chargers—are being sold on social media and online marketplaces. In response, the government is drafting new laws to hold online retailers accountable, mirroring the responsibilities of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Platforms claim they are actively removing counterfeit and unsafe goods, yet rising costs and living expenses, exacerbated by the cascading effects of the Iran conflict, push people toward cheaper options.

Examples of Unsafe Products

Behind the scenes, trading standards officers have uncovered vast quantities of counterfeit goods in former holding cells in Swansea. Among the seized items are fake Labubus with removable eyes that could pose a choking risk, a Super Mario toy containing harmful chemicals in its suction cup, and K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls that are not only counterfeit but also potentially hazardous. Even everyday items like Crocs are being replicated so convincingly they appear authentic until the packaging is opened.

“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,” said Helen Barnham, head of enforcement campaigns at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The IPO, which oversees intellectual property, noted that the surge in online shopping has created new opportunities for criminals to sell counterfeit goods. Barnham emphasized that while the general public is drawn to these products, younger consumers are especially vulnerable due to their focus on low-cost items. The ease of access via social media and digital marketplaces amplifies this risk.

Risks of Substandard Goods

Consumer groups have long raised alarms about subpar products slipping through online marketplaces, even if they are not exact replicas. These items often bypass the rigorous safety checks required in retail stores, leading to serious consequences. Peter Bennett of The Ladder Association described how every extendable telescopic ladder he purchased online failed critical safety tests, sometimes breaking completely.

“When they fail, they fail catastrophically. They basically snap,” said Peter Bennett, the association’s executive director.

Kerri Atherton from the British Toy and Hobby Association expressed concern over toys from overseas that do not meet strict UK safety standards. Investigations by Which? have also uncovered items like fire-risk energy-saving plugs and baby sleeping bags that could lead to suffocation. Inga Becker-Hansen of the British Retail Consortium noted that while platforms are working to eliminate unsafe goods, the full supply chain—from manufacturers to online sellers—shares responsibility for consumer safety.

Legislative Efforts

Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted to target dangerous goods sold online. Now, the government is finalizing detailed regulations that will define enforcement mechanisms and penalties under the law. 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.”