This decision is part of the broader action against the great influx of cheap e-commerce imports into the European Union.
The Commission also announced the joint investigation into national consumer protection bodies within the EU due to the suspicion that Shein violates the rules of consumer protection.
EU measures are accompanied by a similar move of the US, which this week has abolished tax relief used by merchants such as Temu and Shin to send a small value package without customs.
The European Commission has expressed concern due to 4.6 billion packages of small value (below 22 euros) that last year were imported into the EU, which is twice as much as 2023. About 91% of these shipment comes from China, and 12 million packages are estimated.
“Under certain conditions, internet stores can be responsible for selling non-compliant or dangerous products. Although they are exempt from the illegal behavior of the seller, they must meet certain conditions,” the Commission states in their guidelines.
In addition to security risks for consumers, the Commission has warned that the massive influx of cheap products violate market balance, creating unfair competition to EU traders who respect the rules. Also, a large number of consignments have a negative impact on the environment and air conditioning.
The EU plans to introduce a fee for processing e-commerce consignments to cover the costs of import supervision. The Commission has already proposed an abolition of customs exemption for packages below 150 euros, and from the Member States requests the rapid application of that rule.
With a new mechanism entitled “Product Safety SWEEP”, the EU countries will be able to electronically check the safety of the product for the first time before they are delivered.
(Vijesti.ba)
