EU targets Temu, Shein and Amazon: New rules for online shopping in Spain and beyond
The proposal comes amid concerns over a rise in counterfeit and unsafe goods shipped from Asia
Online platforms have changed the way we shop forever, and some of the biggest players in the game are now household names. Temu stands out for its incredibly low prices, Amazon for its rapid delivery service and Shein for its huge range of products and up-to-the minute fashion.
However, as much as consumers have embraced this new and convenient way of shopping, there are serious concerns related to cybersecurity when buying products online.
With a surge in counterfeit and potentially dangerous goods flooding into Europe, the European Union is now setting its sights on major e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon Marketplace. In a bold move, the EU is proposing new customs regulations that would make these online retailers responsible for ensuring that the products they sell comply with European safety and quality standards.
This initiative is part of a wider effort to tighten controls on goods arriving from China and other Asian markets. Under the new rules, e-commerce companies like Temu would be required to provide detailed data on shipments before they arrive in the EU, giving customs officials greater power to inspect and monitor packages.
The crackdown comes as concerns mount over the increasing number of counterfeit, unsafe and non-compliant products being shipped into Europe. According to the proposal, these illicit goods pose serious risks to consumer health and safety, harm the environment and create unfair competition for legitimate, home-grown businesses.
By shifting the responsibility onto retailers, the EU aims to close loopholes that allow substandard products to enter the market.
The proposal also suggests eliminating the current tax exemption for low-cost products under 150 euros, making them subject to full customs controls. Additionally, Brussels is considering implementing a handling fee per package to offset the costs of disposing of unwanted goods.
Regulators have already begun investigating Shein and Amazon, while Temu and AliExpress are also under scrutiny. In response, both Temu and Shein have stated that they comply with EU regulations, while Amazon claims to have proactive measures in place to prevent unsafe products from being listed on its platform.
In other news: Spain's former football boss on trial over World Cup kiss
Image: Unsplash
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