Temu in the sights of Brussels
The Temu e-commerce platform, famous for torn prices and lightning offers, ended up under investigation by the European Commission. The reason? The sale of dangerous and non -compliant products to EU standards, which put consumer health at risk and create unfair competition towards European companies.
According to the preliminary results of the investigation, also conducted through the “mysterious customer” method, Temu would not have adopted effective control systems to identify and remove prohibited or harmful articles.
Toxic products and dangerous articles
The list of offending objects is long and worrying:
Only in the hygiene sector, 9 out of 13 products analyzed were without the list of ingredients, putting at risk above all those who suffer from allergies.
The “shock” of the European Commissioner
Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Justice, did not use minor terms:
“I am shocked and I think we have a duty to protect European consumers.”
The problem is not only of security: platforms such as Temu and Shein also undermine competition, selling at impossible prices for local companies that must respect much more rigid rules and controls.
An invasion of parcels from Asia
The numbers explain the scope of the phenomenon: 12 million low value packages enter the EU every day, for a total of 4.6 billion of shipments under 150 euros only in 2024.
Many of these articles circumvent European regulations and arrive directly in consumer homes without in -depth customs checks. To counter the situation, Brussels evaluates the abolition of the customs exemption threshold (now set at 150 euros) and a management fee for each pack.
France on the front line against Fast Fashion
France has already moved ultra low-cost fashion war, approving a law that introduces:
The standard, however, will not touch brands such as Zara and H&M, a choice that has already raised criticism.
The defense of Temu (who does not convince Brussels)
Temu defends himself by declaring that he has a proactive monitoring system, controls on sellers and collaborations with certification bodies such as Tüv Süd, Sgs, Eurofins and Bureau Veritas.
But for the European Commission these reassurances are not enough: if the violations are confirmed, Temu risks fines up to 6% of the global annual turnover and the obligation to radically modify their commercial practices.
Be careful what you buy
Behind the illusion of a deal there may be serious risks to health, the environment and the local economy. The European Commission promises drastic measures and tight checks, but in the meantime the rule is simple: avoid buying items intended for children, unqualified cosmetics, sunglasses, clothing with suspicious materials or any product without clear certifications on Temu.
Better to spend a few more euros today, than to pay a higher price tomorrow in terms of health and safety.
Sources: The Guardian / Reuters
