Members of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) from across the political spectrum have urged the Commission to take urgent action to address the increase in low-cost imports into the EU.
Salvatore De Meo (EPP) drafted a report on product safety and e-commerce earlier this month in the IMCO committee, addressing the surge of low-value goods from third countries that “threaten consumer safety and fair competition, undermining EU standards.”
“These Platforms Target Vulnerable Consumers”
Maria Guzenina (S&D) argued that while the De Meo report was a good starting point, “the urgency to act must be emphasized.” She added, “Parliament should demand more resources for various national authorities, such as market surveillance and customs.”
Guzenina stated, “The De Meo report did not take into account the environmental impact of low-value packages and deliveries. Non-EU platforms have avoided paying any environmental fees and have undermined efforts toward a circular economy.”
She further added, “These platforms target ‘vulnerable consumers’. Ambitious rules on digital fairness are urgently needed to address addictive marketing, gamification, and the use of dark platforms.”
“Amazon, Temu, and Shein Should Be Banned from the EU”
Green MEP Saskia Bricmont likened the flow of unsafe products into the EU to a “tsunami,” asserting that further action is needed to protect consumers and prevent counterfeit goods. She also emphasized the importance of the EU proposing “alternative and affordable consumption models based on local and second-hand products and a circular economy.”
Left-wing MEP Leila Chaibi also called on the Commission to strengthen digital fairness rules, stating, “Amazon, Temu, and Shein should be banned from the EU as long as they fail to comply with EU conformity standards as well as social and environmental norms.”
Commission Unveils E-commerce Strategy in February
The Commission unveiled its e-commerce strategy in February, focusing on better cooperation between the EU and national authorities. On the same day, it announced new actions against Shein under consumer protection rules and emphasized that e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein are subject to ongoing investigations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). However, the Commission stated that it would wait one year before evaluating its e-commerce strategy.
