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
Nickel
There 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 phthalates
In 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 articles
In 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 articles
It 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.