“We have experienced an explosion of the number of small packages imported to the EU,” McGrath said in an interview with the European Newsroom in Brussels. He added that in 2023 as many as 4.6 billion such shipments went to the EU, which means an average of 12 million a day.
“Such a scale would be burdened with every system to the limit,” he noted.
Over 90 percent These packages come from China and is sent via e-commerce platforms such as Shein or this. According to the Commissioner, they often contain dangerous and unconventive products.
– Anyone who sells to the EU market must comply with our provisions regarding the safety of product and consumer protection. We cannot expose 450 million EU citizens at risk, ”said McGrath.
The European Commission proposed in May the introduction of Fr.Places of 2 euros for shipments worth below 150 euros. McGrath pointed out that activities are already underway to Chinese trading platforms, but he did not provide details.
See also: Brussels takes Chinese platforms. Ago and Shein under the magnifying glass
The Commissioner also expressed concerns about the honesty of competition on the common market. “If we do not have mechanisms to enforce the law, European companies will suffer losses,” he said.
He also announced a visit to China this year to talk to the local authorities directly. McGrath emphasized that the EU does not intend to cut itself off from China, but strives to reduce risks in trade relations.
“When imbalances appear, dishonest competition or lack of respect for our rules, we must react strongly,” he said.
