The federal government wants to control shopping portals such as Temu and Shein more sharply. The cabinet has adopted an e-commerce action plan. With the measures it contains, existing law in online trading is also intended to enforce: inside from third countries.
According to the information, the action plan provides for various measures
- Among other things, closer cooperation and more powers of the national and European market surveillance authorities and customs. These are intended to carry out coordinated controls. It was also supported by the cancellation of the 150-euro customs-free limit.
Doll -free limit in sight
Online platforms such as Temu and Shein mainly use air freight. For orders from non-EU countries, no fees have to be paid for packages with a goods value of less than 150 euros. The provider: Inside, it is accused that many programs are declared incorrectly to adhere to the border. These reject that. Expert: Inside, complain that customs is overloaded with the control. According to estimates by the EU Commission, four billion packages came to the Union via e-commerce platforms in 2024.
In addition, the platforms should in future be more responsible for the goods they have conveyed. The Federal Government also calls on the European Commission to exploit the sanction framework in the law on digital services (digital services act) so that “fines can have a deterrent effect.” The law should keep the influence of large online platforms in check.
With the plan, a strong sign of fair competition and the protection of consumers from uncertain and dangerous products are set, said Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens). Nobody should gain an advantage by disregarding applicable law. “Our high European standards must apply to everyone.” A first version of the plan had developed Habeck’s Ministry in summer.
Trade association welcomes plan – and demands action
The trade association Germany (HDE) largely welcomed the action plan. “Our message has arrived, the constant fractures of Temu and Shein have to end,” said HDE boss Alexander von Preen. However, acts would have to follow the declaration of war. It remains open to how the legislation ultimately can be enforced against third country dealers: inside and what consequences they face. The association sees critically that the plan also provides for new rules for German trading companies.
Online retailers such as Shein and Temu are very popular in this country. This is mainly due to the low prices. However, the portals are controversial. Settling, politicians: interior and consumer protectors criticize product quality, lack of controls and unfair competitive conditions. The portals reject the allegations.