EU Targets Chinese Shopping Platforms with New Regulations

The EU proposes stricter import controls and investigations into platforms like Shein and Temu over safety, fairness, and compliance concerns.

The EU Commission has launched an investigation into Shein to examine potential violations of EU consumer protection laws, including uncompetitive practices and misleading advertising.
Proposed measures include eliminating the €150 customs exemption for low-value imports and introducing a processing fee for packages from non-EU countries to fund increased customs oversight.
Authorities aim to enforce stricter product safety checks and require platforms like Shein and Temu to ensure their listings comply with EU standards.
The volume of low-cost imports from China has surged, with 4.6 billion packages under €22 imported in 2024 alone, overwhelming customs systems across Europe.
Consumer advocates welcome the reforms but call for more stringent measures to address unsafe products before they reach the market, while businesses warn of potential added bureaucracy.