In 2024, around 4.6 billion low-value shipments (up to EUR 150) were placed on the EU market, meaning 12 million packages per day, twice as much as a year earlier. Many of these products do not meet EU standards, which raises concerns about consumer safety, unfair competition for EU retailers and the environmental impact of mass transport.
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The European Union is fighting import challenges
To make a safe and sustainable e-commerce market, the European Commission proposes the following:
Key EU e-commerce initiatives
Customs improvement – speeding up the implementation of the improvement of the Customs Union and abolishing the work exemption for low-value shipments, which will let for better enforcement and a level playing field for competition.
Strengthen control of imported goods – strengthen cooperation between customs and marketplace surveillance authorities and coordinate product safety actions.
Consumer protection on online platforms – enforcement of laws specified as the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation (CPC).
Digitalisation of e-commerce surveillance – marketplace monitoring utilizing Digital Product Passport and fresh tools based on artificial intelligence.
Strengthening green activities – implementing the Ecodesign Action Plan for Sustainable Products and amending the Waste Framework Directive.
Awareness raising – educating consumers and entrepreneurs about their rights and threats to e-commerce.
global cooperation – training for non-EU partners on EU product safety standards and the fight against dumping and subsidisation.
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The future of e-commerce in the EU. What will change in online shopping?
Around 70% of Europeans regularly store online, including on non-EU platforms. Although e-commerce has many benefits for consumers, businesses and the economy, it besides raises challenges. The fresh European Commission initiative aims to balance consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable improvement by creating a safe and high-quality e-commerce marketplace in the EU.
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The Commission calls on associate States, legislators and entrepreneurs to cooperate in implementing fresh regulations. Next year, it will measure the effectiveness of the measures taken and propose further steps if necessary.
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Source: EU/Directorate-General for Communication, photograph by Pixabay
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