EU cracks down on unsafe e-commerce imports from Shein, Temu, Amazon

The European Commission has announced a crackdown on online retailers such as Temu and Shein, implementing stricter customs controls to combat the influx of unsafe and counterfeit products. In 2024, the EU saw the import of 4.6 billion low-value parcels, primarily from China, significantly straining customs resources and raising health and safety concerns for consumers. New regulations will hold these e-commerce platforms accountable for ensuring that products meet EU safety standards and require them to submit detailed shipment data for customs inspection. The proposal also aims to eliminate the duty exemption for imports under €150, potentially imposing handling fees to offset compliance costs. This initiative mirrors similar actions by the U.S. government against low-value imports and seeks to create fair competition for European businesses while addressing environmental impacts. The EU is also investigating Shein and Amazon for potential violations related to consumer protection rules.