BERLIN – The German government has adopted an E-Commerce Action Plan that enforces stricter controls on international online platforms such as Temu and Shein. The goal is to secure fair competition and protect domestic retailers from unfair business practices. Additionally, consumers are to be safeguarded against unsafe products.
Stricter Controls for Non-EU Providers
The plan aims to enforce existing e-commerce regulations more rigorously against providers from non-EU countries. National and European regulatory authorities and customs officials will collaborate closely and conduct coordinated inspections. A key focus is on compliance with customs regulations, as companies like Temu and Shein are accused of declaring shipments incorrectly in order to exploit the €150 customs exemption limit. However, the companies concerned deny these allegations.
Plan to Abolish the €150 Customs Exemption
A crucial aspect of the action plan is the government’s support for eliminating the €150 customs exemption. Currently, orders from non-EU countries with a value below this threshold are exempt from import duties. Experts argue that this is being systematically exploited, leading to an overwhelmed customs system due to the high volume of shipments. According to estimates by the European Commission, approximately four billion e-commerce packages reached the EU in 2024, with around 400,000 shipments arriving daily in Germany.
Greater Responsibility for Online Platforms
In addition to customs measures, the action plan calls for increased liability for platforms regarding the goods they facilitate. The German government urges the European Commission to fully utilize the sanction framework of the Digital Services Act to impose effective fines that act as a deterrent. “No one should gain an advantage by disregarding applicable laws. Our high European standards must apply equally to all,” emphasized Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Greens).
Reactions from the Retail Sector
The German Retail Association (HDE) largely welcomed the action plan, considering it an important measure against ongoing violations by international platforms. “Our message has been received—Temu and Shein’s constant rule-breaking must end,” said HDE President Alexander von Preen. However, the association is critical of the fact that the plan also introduces new regulations for German retail companies. It remains to be seen whether these announcements will be followed by concrete action.
With this new action plan, the German government is sending a strong signal for fair competition and consumer protection in digital commerce. Whether the measures will have the desired impact will become evident in the coming months. (zai)