In 2024, around 4.6 billion low-value consignments (worth €150 or less) entered the EU market – 12 million parcels daily and twice as many as the year before. Many of these products were non-compliant with EU laws, raising concerns over harmful products entering the EU, unfair competition for compliant EU sellers, and the environmental impact of mass shipping.
The Commission has proposed the following actions in its toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce:
- Customs reform: urging swift adoption of the Customs Union Reform and proposing to remove the duty exemption for low-value parcels, to allow rapid implementation of new rules to level the playing field
- Reinforcing measures for imported goods: launching coordinated controls between customs and market surveillance authorities and coordinated actions on product safety
- Protecting consumers on online marketplaces: enforcing the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, General Product Safety Regulation, and Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation
- Using digital tools: supervising e-commerce landscape through the Digital Product Passport and new AI tools
- Enhancing environmental measures: adopting an action plan on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and supporting amendments to the Waste Framework Directive
- Raising awareness: informing consumers and traders about their rights and risks
- Boosting international cooperation and trade: training non-EU partners on EU product safety and tackling dumping and subsidisation
The Commission calls on EU countries, co-legislators and stakeholders to work together and implement these measures. Within a year, the Commission will evaluate the effectiveness of these actions and may propose further measures if necessary.
Around 70% of Europeans regularly shop online, including on non-EU e-commerce platforms. While e-commerce brings many benefits for consumers, businesses and the EU economy, it also presents certain challenges. The new initiative aims to balance consumer protection, fair competition, and sustainability, while fostering a safe and high-quality e-commerce market in the EU.
For more information
Press release: Commission announces actions for safe and sustainable e-commerce imports
Communication on a comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce
Factsheet on the Communication
Questions and Answers on the Communication
Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products
