In response to a surge in online shopping and growing concerns over consumer safety, the European Commission has announced stricter controls on Chinese shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein. The new measures aim to address the rising number of non-compliant products entering the EU market.
Unsafe and counterfeit products under scrutiny
A recent report highlights that many products imported through these platforms fail to meet EU safety and quality standards. European Commissioner for Consumer Protection Michael McGrath stated,
“Almost 96%of the products sold through these platforms do not meet our standards. The consequences could be very serious.”
Last year, European consumers ordered around 4.6 billion small items online—double the previous year’s figure. About 90% of these shipments came from China, increasing concerns over consumer safety.
Customs and regulatory reforms
To tackle these issues, the Commission is pushing for fast-tracked reforms in the EU’s customs system. One key proposal is removing tax exemptions for goods valued under 150 euros. Instead, a management fee will be charged to the platform facilitating the sale to close loopholes that allow Temu and Shein to bypass customs duties.
EU Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič emphasized,
“These are huge numbers, and they require our immediate attention. Our customs authorities must have the right tools to handle this situation.”
These measures aim to better regulate the flow of online goods and ensure compliance with EU safety standards.
Industry and political reactions
Political and industry leaders have mixed reactions. Christel Schaldemose, a Social Democrat Member of the European Parliament, believes platforms should be legally responsible for the products they sell. She said,
“I don’t think customs duties are the right tool. There is one simple solution—make the platforms responsible for the safety of the products they sell.”
Jacob Kjeldsen from Dansk Industri added,
“It’s time for the EU to take a tougher stance. Platforms like Temu and Shein have had it too easy for too long.”
What’s next for online marketplaces in the EU?
As online shopping continues to grow, the Commission’s plan is a major step toward securing the EU market and protecting consumers from unsafe products. By revising customs rules and enforcing accountability on e-commerce platforms, the EU aims to ensure that only safe and compliant goods reach European buyers.
The coming months will be crucial as the European Parliament and Member States debate these reforms, which could set new global standards for e-commerce regulation and consumer safety.
