Brussels, 27 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission has accepted a Temu safety plan designed to strengthen consumer protection and address risks involving illegal products sold through the Chinese-owned online marketplace. The decision, announced on 26 October, follows a €200 million fine imposed on the company in May for breaching the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
The approval marks a significant development in the EU’s efforts to regulate major e-commerce platforms. Temu must now implement five corrective measures aimed at improving risk assessments, reviewing product recommendation systems and identifying weaknesses in content moderation.
European Commission Approves Five Key Safety Measures
Under the approved framework, Temu must conduct risk assessments based on reliable, up-to-date information about its own marketplace rather than relying on general e-commerce industry data.
The company must also introduce measurable indicators to determine whether its safeguards effectively reduce the risks associated with illegal product listings.
Another requirement involves examining weaknesses in content moderation systems, including how potentially unlawful goods are identified and handled.
Temu must assess whether its recommendation algorithms increase the visibility of illegal products and investigate how sellers might manipulate platform features to promote prohibited listings.
These measures are intended to improve regulatory oversight and strengthen accountability across the marketplace.
EU Officials Highlight Stronger Consumer Protection
European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen welcomed the development, emphasising the importance of enforcing digital regulations.
She stated:
“The proposed measures in the action plan are another example of how the DSA is helping to enhance consumer protection online and limit the spread of illegal products in Europe.”
Temu also welcomed the Commission’s acceptance of its proposals, describing the decision as recognition of its efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance.
The company said its risk assessment methodology had developed significantly since the DSA obligations became applicable in 2024.
Temu Faced €200m Penalty Over Unsafe Products
The European Commission launched its formal investigation into Temu in October 2024.
Regulators subsequently concluded that the marketplace had failed to adequately assess the risks associated with illegal products reaching European consumers.
Investigators identified concerns involving electrical chargers that failed basic safety tests and children’s toys presenting chemical or suffocation hazards.
On 28 May 2026, the Commission imposed a €200 million fine after determining that Temu had breached its risk assessment obligations.
The findings also raised concerns about whether recommendation algorithms and promotional activities could increase consumers’ exposure to unlawful goods.
What EU Approval Means for Online Shoppers
The decision could lead to stronger safeguards for consumers purchasing products through Temu across the European Union.
By requiring more detailed risk assessments and improved monitoring, regulators aim to reduce the likelihood of unsafe or illegal products being promoted to shoppers.
However, acceptance of the corrective programme does not establish that every product sold through the platform is safe or compliant with EU regulations.
The effectiveness of the measures will depend on implementation, independent auditing and continued regulatory supervision.
Temu Faces Four-Month Deadline for Compliance
Temu has four months to implement the agreed measures and conduct an interim risk assessment covering the six-month period ending 30 November 2026.
The company must also arrange an independent external audit and submit the resulting report to the European Commission within four months of implementation.
EU regulators will continue monitoring the company’s progress, particularly in areas where national authorities previously requested additional clarification.
The €200 million penalty remains separate from the newly accepted action plan, and further enforcement remains possible if Temu fails to meet its obligations under the Digital Services Act.
