Brussels: The European Commission has announced a series of measures to address the challenges posed by the surge of low-value e-commerce imports from non-EU countries. These actions are part of the newly proposed Communication on E-Commerce, titled ‘A Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce’.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the European Commission is focusing on several key areas, including customs reforms, consumer protection, and the enforcement of the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts to tackle the risks associated with these imports. Last year, approximately 4.6 billion low-value consignments entered the EU market, a substantial increase from previous years. Many of these goods were found to be non-compliant with European legislation, raising concerns about consumer safety and unfair competition for EU businesses.
The Commission’s strategy includes proposals for customs reforms, such as removing duty exemptions for parcels worth less than £150 and enhancing control capabilities through improved data-sharing and risk assessment. Additionally, coordinated actions on product safety and targeted measures for imported goods aim to remove non-compliant products from the market.
The Commission also emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers on online marketplaces by prioritizing enforcement under existing regulations like the Digital Services Act. Furthermore, the use of digital tools, including the Digital Product Passport and AI, is encouraged to supervise the e-commerce landscape more effectively.
Environmental protection is another focus area, with the Commission calling for the adoption of initiatives like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. International cooperation and trade are also highlighted, with training activities on EU product safety rules being part of the Commission’s plans.
The Commission urges Member States to collaborate as ‘Team Europe’ to enhance the effectiveness of these measures. Within a year, the Commission will assess the impact of the proposed actions and consider additional steps if necessary to ensure compliance with EU rules.