February 26, 2025

The EU makes Temu, Shein and Amazon responsible: the end of dangerous products online?

The European Union wants secure online commerce While holding Temu, Shein and Amazon responsible for dangerous products sold on their platforms. An ambitious reform that could Change the game For the consumers and e-retailers.

With the rise of Chinese marketplaces and the ease of import, the EU is setting up new obligations to protect consumers and guarantee the conformity of products. What are the impacts for platforms and sellers? Deciphering the new e-commerce rules in 2025.

1. Why is the EU targeting Temu, Shein and Amazon?

Platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon are which have become essential in global e-commerce. However, they pose a major problem :

  • Sale of non-compliant products : Numerous items from third countries Do not respect European safety standards.
  • Limited liability of the platforms : Currently, marketplaces are not responsible products sold by third parties.
  • Difficulty for consumers : In case of problems, buyers should contact sellers who are often located outside the EU, complicating remedies.

A booming market, but risky

Cross-border e-commerce is exploding:

  • 50% of products purchased online in the EU come from sellers outside Europe.
  • Temu is experiencing rapid growth, with millions of orders processed every day.

Faced with these challenges, Brussels wants to impose strict rules on e-commerce giants.

2. A reform to make platforms responsible

The EU is preparing a new regulation Who could force Temu, Shein and Amazon To be assumed Responsibility for dangerous products sold on their site.

The new obligations imposed on marketplaces

Product control before going on sale
Obligation to ensure compliance to European standards
Shared responsibility with third party sellers
Fines and sanctions In case of non-compliance

A radical change in e-commerce

Until now, platforms claimed that they were only intermediaries. With this reform, they will have to:

  • Actively monitor The products sold
  • Block dangerous items
  • Establishing effective recall procedures

A challenge major, especially for platforms like Temu and Shein, which work on a massive volume model.

3. What is the impact for consumers and sellers?

Better consumer protection

💡 Fewer dangerous products In circulation
💡 Simplified after-sales service
💡 More accessible remedies In case of a problem

In other words, buying online will become more secure.

Salespeople under pressure

🔻 Strict compliance requirement = More controls at the entrance to the European market
🔻 Cost of compliance = Risk of price increases
🔻 Fewer low-cost products = A potential impact on Chinese platforms

For small sellers, these new rules could be a challenge, but also an opportunity for reassure customers and stand out.

4. What is the future for e-commerce in Europe?

With this reform, the EU wants regulate the market and balancing the competition between local businesses and international platforms.

Is Amazon better armed than Temu and Shein?

Amazon could adapt better thanks to its European distribution centers, while Temu and Shein Will have to adapt their model based on direct import.

📉 Fewer cheap items, but more safety

E-commerce could evolve towards better product quality, but with slightly higher prices.

5. FAQ: The questions everyone is asking

When will these new rules take effect?

The EU plans gradual implementation in 2025, but platforms will have to adapt quickly.

Will platforms be able to circumvent these obligations?

No, they will have to comply under penalty of financial sanctions And of Blocking access to the European market.

Are prices going to increase with these measures?

Possibly, because sellers will have to meet more stringent standards, but it will guarantee better product quality.

How do I know if a product is compliant?

Platforms will need to display clearly the conformity of the articles and allow consumers to Report suspicious products.

Does this reform affect European retailers?

Yes, but to a lesser extent, because local sellers already meet these standards. It could even To give them an advantage in the face of international competition.