EU to tighten control over cheap goods on marketplaces

The European Commission has proposed to strengthen control over cheap goods sold through online marketplaces in the EU. The new measures are aimed at protecting consumers, combating counterfeiting and reducing environmental damage from parcel transportation. However, they can lead to higher prices and a reduction in the range.

In 2024, the EU received about 4.6 billion parcels with goods worth up to 22 euros, which is equivalent to 12 million shipments per day. This is twice as much as in 2023 and three times as much as in 2022. The European Commission notes that a significant part of these products do not meet European standards.

The proposed measures include the abolition of exemption from import duties for goods cheaper than 150 euros, increased customs control, the introduction of fees for processing orders and fines for marketplaces for violations.

Earlier, the EC initiated investigations against the Chinese Temu marketplace, which is visited by 75 million users in the EU every month. The company is accused of selling products that violate the law, and it faces significant fines.