Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Michael McGrath, the European Union’s justice commissioner, voiced his strong commitment to tackling the sale of non-compliant goods on major Chinese e-commerce sites such as Temu and Shein.
Justice Commissioner told the Guardian he was “shocked” by the sale of potentially dangerous products on these low-cost platforms, which pose safety risks to consumers. He expressed it would be the EU‘s “duty” to intervene.
“I am determined that we step up our enforcement of our product safety laws and our consumer protection rules,”
McGrath stated in the Guardian article issued on Sunday.
What unsafe products are being sold to consumers?
As reported, among the worst instances, McGrath encountered baby soothers with beads that fall off easily, creating a choking risk. They lack the regulation-sized hole necessary for a swallowed bead to allow a baby to breathe if they accidentally swallow one.
Among other products mentioned by MEPs in a report released this month are children’s raincoats containing toxic chemicals, sunglasses lacking UV filters, and kids’ shorts with drawstrings that exceed the regulated length, posing a trip hazard.
They also discovered cosmetics containing butylphenyl methylpropional, also called Lillal, identified as a chemical of “very high concern” by the EU. It has been banned since 2022 due to worries about its impact on fertility and fetal development.
What unfair competition do Chinese platforms create?
While consumer groups express safety concerns, McGrath is also worried that the rapid rise of platforms in the last two years is harming local businesses through unfair competition.
“The growth is extraordinary, and it has placed enormous pressure on the systems at the member state level,”
he stated.
“I am determined that we step up our enforcement of our product safety laws and our consumer protection rules. It’s not only about protecting consumers, but there is a very serious level playing field issue here for European businesses, because they are expected to compete with sellers who are not complying with our rules,”
he stated.
What findings came from the EU Parliament’s report?
An early release of a European Parliament report indicated that the major share of unsafe and illegal products coming into the EU is transported in small parcels of online trade, especially through Chinese online trade.
The European Commission ast December conducted a formal investigation into Temu. The preliminary evidence showed Temu did not contain adequate procedures to address non-compliant products. Brussels had already interrogated Shein over accusations of consumer protection law breaching regarding misleading discounts and unsustainable claims.
In the report, the Parliament stated that it still remains difficult for customs to identify packages coming through major ports or airports, as well as control the access of products coming into the EU.
