EU Customs reform to help curb dangerous products sold online

The EU has agreed on a customs reform that will help to stop the flood of unsafe products sold to Europeans from outside the EU. This deal is an important win for consumers, after years of testing by consumer groups of the BEUC network of dangerous toys, textiles, and other products sold on online marketplaces like Temu and Shein. The reform marks the end of the impunity of sellers and platforms that have long ignored EU safety rules.

What will change for consumers:

• E-commerce platforms who import into the EU will face clearer responsibilities, and consequences such as fines, when goods sold on their webstore harm consumers.
• Authorities will be able to share data and spot rogue traders and dangerous products more quickly, so unsafe goods can be stopped before reaching people’s homes.
• The reform will ensure the price paid by consumers upfront is clear and without surprise customs duties. 

Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented: 

“Europe has been swamped by a tsunami of packages from China, and customs authorities could simply not cope with this. Consumer groups’ tests of products bought on online platforms have revealed toys that can fatally injure children and textiles laced with banned chemicals which can cause serious skin reactions. This reform begins to turn the tide and makes it harder for dangerous products to enter the EU.

“This reform will also protect fair competition by supporting companies that respect EU rules against those that profit from cutting corners. Lawmakers must now finish the job by backing customs with strong enforcement and proper resources, such as staff, tools and funding necessary to protect consumers."