Cheap Junk with Dangerous Chemicals: Measures Against Temu, Shein & AliExpress Demanded

The undisputed online retailer in Austria remains the US corporation Amazon. However, Temu and Shein are already ranked 4th and 9th in terms of online sales in this country, according to figures from market researcher Nielsen IQ. In 2024, 4.6 billion packages with goods under 150 euros were delivered from the Far East to Europe, two-thirds of which were incorrectly declared, the Trade Association referred to figures from the EU Commission. Due to the high US tariffs, Europe is now even more in the focus of the platforms. "Freight companies have informed us that the diversion effect is there," said the Trade Association Managing Director.

Shein, Temu & Co.: Four Measures Demanded Against Package Flood

To curb the package boom, the Trade Association and Greenpeace are pushing for a reduction of the 150-euro duty-free limit to 0 euros and more resources for customs authorities as well as strict import controls. Furthermore, a package levy on untaxed B2C shipments from third-country platforms must be introduced. In the case of repeated violations of EU regulations, a temporary ban on the platforms must also be possible, demand the Trade Association and Greenpeace in their joint "4-Point Plan".

France has proposed fees of "several euros per package" for small shipments from non-European countries. These should be paid by the importers or the online platforms, not the consumers, said Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin on Tuesday. The focus is mainly on packages from low-cost goods providers like Shein and Temu.

Goods from Far East Platforms Often Deficient

Greenpeace has purchased goods from Far East platforms and found dangerous chemicals in some samples that violate EU limits. "This business model is not only a safety risk for the health of consumers but is also based on unfair working conditions and endangers the environment," said Greenpeace representative Bittner.

The Swiss television channel SRF recently purchased seven sunscreens from Temu and had them tested in a laboratory. The result was described as "disastrous" in the report. The German consumer organization Stiftung Warentest also examined seven online portals with cheap goods from the Far East. "The risk of transporting electronic waste halfway around the world for a supposed bargain is high," the report states.

The purchase of goods by Austrian retailers in China and by private buyers through Far East platforms cannot be compared, emphasized the managing director of the trade association. The domestic trade must "comply with all laws" and has Chinese supply channels that sell certified goods. "You can import junk. You can also import products that comply with European regulations," said Will. Additionally, Austrian retailers must "pay full customs duties."

Government Sees Need for Action

For the new Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Korinna Schumann (SPÖ), the cheap goods deliveries from Temu, Shein & Co are "an incredible problem." This cannot be "solved at the Austrian level," but only together as the European Union, Schumann said in mid-April at the trade colloquium of the trade association. "This is one of the great dangers for our trade." It must also be ensured that the products sold through Temu and Shein are not hazardous to health, said the consumer protection minister. The trade association has also raised the issue of Shein and Temu with the new Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP). The topic has reached the government level.

State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP) emphasized in the foyer after the Council of Ministers that Hattmannsdorfer is already in contact with the European Commission on this matter. They want to ensure equality between European and international economies at the European level. Especially with Asian products, regulations that ensure consumer safety, as well as tax regulations, are not being adhered to. "We must do this in joint cooperation with the European Union, and it is also a necessary response to the tariff threats by (US President Donald, ed.) Trump," said Zehetner. An advance by Austria is not possible here, also because many goods do not come directly but through other European countries.

Minister of Economic Affairs Hattmannsdorfer also sees a need for action. "The unchecked flood of packages from Asia is a serious burden on our domestic trade, consumer safety, and fair market conditions in Europe," said the ÖVP minister in a statement. As Minister of Economic Affairs, he has already taken initial measures - such as expanding market surveillance and the targeted use of digital tools. Hattmannsdorfer is also in favor of abolishing the 150-euro customs exemption limit. He will "actively advocate for a rapid implementation" among the EU trade ministers. Europe must not "become a gateway for uncontrolled cheap imports."

(APA/Red.)

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