European Commission prepares new rules to curb illegal e-commerce imports

The European Commission is preparing a new legislative proposal, titled the ‘European Product Act’, aimed at closing regulatory loopholes that allow non-compliant and illegal products to enter the EU market via online platforms. Expected to be published on October 6, the draft seeks to address the influx of low-cost goods, particularly from third-country e-commerce giants such as Temu and Shein.

A central pillar of the proposal is the requirement for a legally established economic operator within the European Union to be held responsible for product compliance. This mechanism is designed to prevent non-EU manufacturers from evading accountability by selling directly to consumers. If a manufacturer is based outside the EU, an importer or an authorized representative must be designated to take responsibility for the goods.

Additionally, the draft includes provisions for increased responsibility for online marketplaces, the centralization of market surveillance systems, and the introduction of a new oversight tax. These measures aim to empower authorities to identify and remove non-conforming products from the single market more rapidly and effectively.