EU to Hold Temu, Shein, and Amazon Liable for Unsafe Goods

The European Union is reportedly planning to make e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace accountable for dangerous or illegal products sold online, according to the Financial Times. The proposed customs reforms would require online platforms to provide data before goods arrive in the EU, enabling officials to better control and inspect packages.

Currently, anyone purchasing goods online in the EU is treated as the importer for customs purposes. However, the new reform will shift responsibility to the platforms. Online retailers would need to collect relevant duties and VAT and ensure that goods comply with other EU requirements.

Customs data from the 27 national authorities will be pooled, and a new central EU customs authority (EUCA) will be established, according to the Financial Times. The EUCA would be able to screen goods based on this information and identify potential risks even before the loading of goods for transport or their physical arrival in the EU.

Amazon, Shein, and the EU did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside business hours. Temu could not be immediately reached.