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The Chinese discount shops Temu and Shein have been under criticism for months, and the German trade association even complained about “unacceptable conditions” and unfair competition. Now there is to be an action plan at the federal level.
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The Federal Ministry of Economics, headed by Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens), wants to take action against the practices of the Chinese discount shops Temu and Shein with an “e-commerce action plan”. Capital learned this from several people familiar with the action plan. A spokeswoman for the ministry confirmed the plan.
“It is crucial that existing legal provisions are enforced just as consistently against traders from third countries as against traders from the EU,” the spokeswoman told Capital. This applies to the applicable standards for product safety, environmental protection and consumer protection as well as to customs and tax law.
Fair competition conditions
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is currently examining new measures and adjustments to existing regulations. In recent months, there have already been discussions with the federal states, the EU Commission and the EU Parliament. State Secretary Sven Giegold (Greens) also met with representatives of Temu and Shein in June, as the Ministry confirmed to Capital. The aim of the efforts is to “ensure fair competitive conditions for all market participants.”
The Chinese online retailers Temu and Shein have come under criticism in recent months due to their low-price policies, aggressive marketing and questionable import practices. The German Retail Association complained about “unacceptable conditions” and called on politicians to take action.
The Shein company recently sought prominent support and hired former EU Commissioner and Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg Günther Oettinger as an advisor.
Source: Stern
