The Danish EPA publishes a series of Fact Sheets presenting the ministerial orders aplying to chemicals in Denmark. The Fact Sheets are addressed to consumers, retail traders, wholesalers, importers and manufacturers of chemicals.
General rules
Ozone layer depleting substances: CFCs, HCFCs, Halons, Methyl bromide, etc.There is a general ban on the use, sale, import or export of ozone layer depleting substances and products containing ozone layer depleting substances.
Classification, labelling and packaging - CLP RegulationFact sheet on the rules concerning the classification, packaging and labelling of chemical substances and mixtures in accordance with the CLP Regulation, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Classification, packaging and labelling, (old/transitional legislation)This Fact sheet describes the rules according to the Statutory Order of classification (the old rules).
Child-resistant closuresPackaging for a number of dangerous chemical substances and products for private use must be fitted with child-resistant closures.
Exporting and importing dangerous chemicals and pesticidesSpecial regulations apply to the import and export of regulated dangerous chemicals to and from the EU. There is a complete ban on the export of certain dangerous chemicals.
Misleading marketingMisleading marketing of chemicals and products is prohibited. The regulations cover all chemicals and products.
Regulation of specific substances
Products containing cadmium The use of cadmium must be limited as it is a toxic heavy metal. Cadmium is quite easily absorbed by plants and is through the food chain mainly accumulated in the liver and the kidneys in people. In exceptional cases, too much cadmium can lead to kidney failure
NickelThere are limits for how much nickel, products, which are for long-term contact with the skin, are allowed to release. The regulations cover a number of metal products which are designed to come into direct contact with the skin, e.g. jewellery, watches, hair clips, mobile phones, zips, and studs in clothes and footwear.
PVC and phthalatesIn order to stabilise the hard PVC, heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, were used in the past. These heavy metals can still be found in older PVC construction materials. Lead and cadmium are toxic and accumulate in humans, animals and nature.
Phthalates in toys and childcare articlesIn Denmark, there is a ban on the use of phthalates in toys and childcare articles for children aged 0-3 years. Within the EU, there are also additional rules for six specific phthalates in toys and childcare articles for children aged 0-14 years.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vehicle refinishing products Vehicle paint and varnish products must comply with VOC limit values, and must be labelled with their VOC content, product category and VOC limit value.
Industrial greenhouse gases: HFCs, PFCs and SF6 HFCs are used or have been used as refrigerants and for expanding plastic foam. PFCs are refrigerants, and SF6 has primarily been used for sound insulation in windows.
Nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates Nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) are covered by Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation. The restrictions are based on a need to limit the use of these substances. Nonylphenol ethoxylates are degraded to nonylphenols, which are considered to be endocrine disrupters.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) This fact sheet explains the most important points in the Ministry of Environment and Energy Statutory Order on limiting the sale and use of pentachlorophenol (PCP).
Mercury The use of mercury must be limited because it is a toxic heavy metal. It is therefore prohibited to import, sell or export mercury and mercury-containing products that are not mercury-containing measuring instruments.
Formaldehyde in chip board and similar products Chip board, plywood, and other wood-based panels containing formaldehyde-emitting glue may only be used in furniture and furnishings if they release no more than 0.15 milligrams of formaldehyde per cubic metre of air when tested in a climate chamber.
Azo pigments There is a ban on the import, sale and use of a specific blue azo pigment, and azo pigments that may release carcinogens, as well as certain products containing azo pigments.
Lead There is a general ban on the import or sale of products containing lead compounds. There is a ban on the import or sale of certain products containing metallic lead.
Chlorinated paraffins There is a ban on the import or sale of products containing short-chain chlorinated paraffins where these products are used for metalworking or greasing leather.
Creosote (under readjustment)
Phthalates in toys and childcare articlesIt is forbidden to manufacture, import and sell toys and childcare articles for children from 0-14 years old: • if the products contain the phthalates DEHP (Di (2-ethylexy)phthalate), DBP (Dibuthyl phthalate) and BBP (Butylbenzyl phthalate). • if products which can be placed in the mouth contain the phthalates DINP (Diisononyl phthalate), DIDP (Diisodecylphthalate) and DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate).
Organic tin compounds This fact sheet explains the most important points about organic tin compounds in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on limiting the sale and use of certain dangerous chemical substances and products for special purposes.
PAHs in extender oils for tyres Effective from 1 January 2010, there is a ban on the import, sale and use of extender oils for tyres and treads if such oils contain more than listed here.
PCB (under readjustment)
Penta- and octa-BDE Since August 2004, there has been a ban on the import, sale or use of penta- and octabromodiphenylether (penta- and octa-BDE). There is also a ban on the import or distribution of products containing these substances.
Regulation of specific products and applications
Surface-treatment products for private use Rules specifying which surface treatment products may be sold to private individuals. Surface treatment products cover a wide range of products, e.g. paint, varnish, oil, wax, paint removers and similar, in ready-to-use mixtures for treatment of surfaces.
Jokes and tricks The use of dangerous liquid chemical substances or products in joke products is prohibited. Certain other substances are also prohibited in joke products. Examples of joke products include sneezing powder and stink bombs.
Pacifiers and bottle teats The sale of pacifiers and bottle teats that release more than 10 micrograms of N-nitrosamines or more than 100 micrograms of nitrosatable substances per kilogram of rubber or silicone is prohibited.
Anti-fouling bottom paint This fact sheet explains the most important points in the Statutory Order from the Ministry of Environment on restrictions on import, sale and use of biocidal bottom paint.
Decorative items with light or colour effects The use of dangerous, liquid chemical substances or products in decorative items producing lighting or colour effects is prohibited .
Electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) As of 1 July 2006, new electrical and electronic equipment must not contain the harmful substances listed here.
Lamp oils and similar fuels Lamp oils and similar fuels may not contain colour or perfume.
Detergents This fact sheet informs you of the most important provisions of EU Regulation 648/2004/EC on detergents (the Detergent Regulation) on placing detergents on the market and the contents of non-ionic surfactants in detergents.
Products containing arsenic This fact sheet explains the most important points in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on restricting the sale and use of certain dangerous chemical substances and products.
Cosmetics
Labelling of cosmetics Fact sheet about requirements for labelling cosmetics, for instance, regarding the list of ingredients and contact information. The rules cover labelling of cosmetics, e.g. skin lotion, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hair removal products, hair dying and bleaching products, shaving cream, facial and eye make-up, tooth paste, nail polish and sun lotion
Misleading marketing of cosmetics Labels, sales packaging and advertisements for cosmetic products must not use texts, names, labels, depictions or other figures or symbols that attribute less dangerous properties to products than is the case.
Toxins
Toxic substances in central and district heating systems It is prohibited to add toxic substances to water that circulates in central and district heating systems.
Sale and storage of toxic substances and products The sale of toxic substances or products to private individuals is only permitted upon special approval and through the use of a police certified requisition form. There are also special rules for selling to the industrial sector and for storing toxic substances or products.
Pesticides
Approval of plant protection products This fact sheet explains the most important points on approval of plant protection products in the Consolidated Act from the Ministry of Environment on Chemical Substances and Products.
Labelling and packaging of pesticide This fact sheet explains the most important points in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on pesticides.
Sale and storage of toxic and very toxic pesticides This fact sheet explains the most important points about the sale and storage of toxic and very toxic pesticides in the Statutory Order from the Ministry of Environment on pesticides.
Use and storage of toxic and very toxic pesticides This fact sheet explains the most important points about the use and storage of toxic and very toxic pesticides in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on pesticides.
Misleading marketing of pesticides This fact sheet explains the most important points about misleading marketing of pesticides in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Order on pesticides.
Banned pesticides This fact sheet explains the most important points about prohibited pesticides in the Ministry of Environment's Statutory Orders on: • Partial or complete bans on certain pesticides • Pesticides • Amendments to the statutory orders on pesticides, and • The Consolidated Act on Chemical Substances and Products.
National REACH helpdesk is a service established in every Member State providing advice to companies and other stakeholders on the obligations they may have under REACH.
The Danish REACH helpdesk:www.reachhelpdesk.dk (in Danish) Ph: + 45 7012 0211
Read more about REACH and national helpdesks atThe European Chemicals Agency