Overview

• The EU Commission opened a formal Digital Services Act investigation in March 2024 into AliExpress’s handling of prohibited and potentially dangerous items.
• In response to regulatory pressure, AliExpress committed to stronger controls over pharmaceuticals and supplements and to improving consumer reporting channels.
• The preliminary findings state that the site’s moderation mechanisms remain underdeveloped and fail to prevent repeat listings of illegal products.
• AliExpress now has an opportunity to submit counterarguments and additional compliance measures before the Commission issues its final ruling.
• Under the Digital Services Act, persistent violations could incur penalties reaching 6% of AliExpress’s global annual turnover.