On February 5, 2025, the European Commission announced new measures to tackle the challenges posed by e-commerce goods imported via non-EU online retailers and marketplaces. These actions are part of the broader strategy for safe and sustainable e-commerce, outlined in the communication “A Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-Commerce.”
The Commission pointed out that in 2024, a staggering 4.6 billion low-value consignments, valued under €150, entered the EU market. This is double the amount compared to 2023 and triple the number from 2022. This rapid growth raises significant concerns, as many of these goods are non-compliant with EU legislation. This poses risks to consumer safety and creates unfair competition for European businesses that comply with strict European standards.
The European Commission has proposed several key actions to address these concerns:
- Customs Reform: The Commission urges swift approval of the proposed Customs Union reform, including removing the duty exemption for goods under €150, enabling faster interventions and enhanced controls.
- Coordinated Controls and Product Safety: Coordinated actions will be launched between customs and market surveillance authorities. A product safety sweep will also take place to remove non-compliant goods from the market.
- Consumer Protection: The Commission emphasizes consumer protection by enforcing the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act and ensuring that all traders follow EU regulations such as the General Product Safety Regulation and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation.
- Sustainability Measures: The Commission aims to protect the environment through measures like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and updates to the Waste Framework Directive.
- International Cooperation: The Commission calls for greater international cooperation, including training programs on EU product safety rules and actions to prevent dumping and subsidization.
Why These Actions Matter
These measures are crucial for maintaining a fair level playing field for European businesses, which are often undermined by the sale of counterfeit or unsafe products through online marketplaces. Moreover, the exponential rise of e-commerce plays a vital role in the EU economy, as 70% of Europeans regularly shop online. However, the surge in low-value consignments has led to concerns over the workload of customs authorities, who are struggling to handle the growing volume of shipments.
The Commission stresses the importance of protecting both EU consumers and businesses while fully harnessing the potential of e-commerce. The new actions are expected to significantly enhance the safety and sustainability of e-commerce within the EU.
