Assortment policy

Plastic

Where necessary, bol anticipates legislation when an item is known to be harmful to customers’ health or safety in production or use. Within the EU, there is a ban on the sale of single-use plastic, also known as disposable plastic items. Therefore, items such as disposable plastic cups, straws and cotton buds are unwanted on the platform. Bio plastics such as biodegradable plastic, PLA and starch plastics are also not allowed. To know which specific items are being addressed, please visit this page of the European Commission. 

In addition, we want to take responsibility as a platform by contributing to combating litter. This is why we signed the Splash Plastic Covenant on 9 October, 2021. This means that water balloons and plastic confetti are also unwanted on the platform. 

This policy also includes: 

• Gift packs containing water balloons or plastic confetti 
• (Table) confetti or serpentines with a foil layer 
• Balloons with plastic confetti inside 

Glitters

In accordance with European legislation, the sale of microplastics in the form of loose glitters is prohibited as of May 1, 2024.

• Loose glitters, for example where glue is supplied separately to stick it on, are therefore not allowed.
• Plastic granules under the name ‘loose microplastics’. These plastic granules are also known as plastic granulate or plastic pellets. This type of microplastics is often used as a filler for things like stuffed animals or pillows.

Glitters that are already glued on or are part of an item – think of a glitter hat or glitter gel – may still be sold on our platform. Glitters made of materials other than plastic and biodegradable glitters are allowed if this is stated on the packaging. Until May 1, 2024, partners with existing assortment (reference date February 1, 2024) have the opportunity to still sell this, after which it will be taken offline.

Fairtrade

Fairtrade is a non-protected term used to describe items that: 

• Are produced under proper working conditions. 
• Are locally sustainable.
• Have fair trade agreements with farmers and workers.

Bol tries to ensure this definition by only recommending items as ‘Fairtrade’ if they bear a label that meets the stated requirements:

• Fairtrade
• World Fair Trade Organization 
• Cotton Made in Africa
• Fair for Life (clothing) 

If you offer an item that may carry one of these labels, you can let us know via this link. 

For items classified as Fairtrade that do not have a seal of approval from one of these authorities, bol removes this claim from the product information. 

The European Quality Mark for Organic (Skal)

To ensure that our customers receive verified organic items, and we comply with the laws and regulations concerning organic items, we have set up a number of additional guidelines for the use of the Skal seal. 

What is SKAL and what does it mean for sales of organic items? 

SKAL is an independent administrative body that ensures that the production, processing and trading of organic items is done in a controlled and registered way. 

Within the food, food supplements, animal food, plants and flower bulbs product groups, the term organic is a protected term. It may only be used for items that have been evaluated. You can recognise these items by the European Quality Mark for Organic, also known as the green leaf. The quality marks Agriculture Biologique, Demeter and EKO also meet SKAL’s requirements. The quality marks, therefore, may also display the green leaf on items. Any company that offers these products to our customers through our platform will have to register. Bol may only offer and trade in demonstrably certified organic items. This means that both the middleman and the producer must be certified. 

Items must comply with: 

1. EU organic regulation
2. Dutch agricultural quality legislation
3. The regulations and bases of SKAL Bio control