The European Union is taking steps to reduce the ordering of dangerous products from Chinese online stores by increasing import duties. Financial media outlets like Financial Times (FT) report that the EU is planning to raise import duties for products ordered from Chinese online stores to address the issue of cheap products that do not meet EU safety standards. In 2018, 2.3 billion products outside the EU were ordered into the Union under the customs border, with Chinese online stores benefiting from support in transportation costs from China, allowing them to offer products at very low prices. However, this has led to a rise in the number of dangerous products being ordered, particularly on platforms like Temu, Ali Express and Shein which specialize in clothing. Safety issues have been found in products such as cosmetics, toys, electrical appliances and clothing. One report stated that 18 out of 19 toys ordered from Temu did not meet EU standards and were found to be dangerous for children.
The European Commission is removing the current 150 euro import duty-free limit for e-commerce purchases made outside the EU as part of its efforts to address these concerns. This move could pose challenges for customs officials and increase their workload as they will have to verify each shipment and ensure that it meets EU safety standards. However, online stores like Temu and Ali Express have expressed willingness to cooperate with EU legislators to maintain their presence in the Union market by complying with higher import duties and ensuring that their products meet EU safety standards.
Overall, the EU’s aim is to address the increasing number of dangerous products being ordered from Chinese online stores by raising import duties and removing the import duty-free limit for e-commerce purchases made outside the EU in order to protect consumers’ safety while also maintaining a level playing field for businesses operating within the Union’s borders.
