Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union is planning to hold e-commerce platforms such as Amazon Marketplace, Temu and Shein liable for illegal or dangerous products sold online, the Financial Times reported.
According to a draft proposal seen by the Financial Times, Customs reforms would compel online platforms to deliver data before goods reach the European Union, permitting officials to better inspect and control packages.
Presently, anyone who buys goods online in the European Union is treated as an importer for customs purposes, but the new reform will make the platforms responsible, the newspaper noted. Retailers of online goods would have to collect the applicable duty and VAT and ensure the goods concede with other European Union requirements, the report said.
Customs information from the 27 national authorities will be combined, and a new central EU customs authority (EUCA) will be established, according to the FT.
The EUCA would be able to screen the goods based on this information and to identify potential risks, even prior to the loading of the goods for transport or their physical arrival in the EU,
the FT stated, noting the draft.
What role will the DSA and DMA play?
Currently, the EU has already settled on full requirements for the control of online sellers, including e-commerce giant companies like Amazon and Temu through two legislative measures: the DSA and DMA.
The purpose of the DSA is the creation of a safer digital area where fundamental users’ rights shall be ensured; meanwhile, DMA will help develop accountability of Internet platforms. There are also laid down cooperation terms between the European Commission, members of the union, and even national authorities within the established DSA and DMA frameworks.
The DMA seeks to guarantee contestable and fair markets in the digital sector by regulating “gatekeeper” platforms, that is, those holding a strategic position in the market. Following designation as gatekeeper, platforms have six months to comply with DMA obligations.
