Online trade: BUND wants to control portals like Temu and Shein more

The federal government wants to control shopping portals such as Temu and Shein more sharply. The cabinet has adopted an e-commerce action plan. With the measures it contains, existing law in online trading is also intended to enforce them with providers from third countries.

According to the information, the action plan provides for various measures – including closer cooperation and more powers of the national and European market surveillance authorities and customs. These are intended to carry out coordinated controls. It was also supported by the cancellation of the 150-euro customs-free limit.

Online platforms such as Temu and Shein mainly use air freight. For orders from non-EU countries, no fees have to be paid for packages with a goods value of less than 150 euros. The providers are accused that many programs have been declared incorrectly to adhere to the border. These reject that. Experts complain that customs is overloaded. According to estimates by the EU Commission, four billion packages came to the Union via e-commerce platforms in 2024.

In addition, the platforms should in future be more responsible for the goods they have conveyed. The Federal Government also calls on the European Commission to exploit the sanction framework in the law on digital services (digital services act) so that “fines can have a deterrent effect.” The law should keep the influence of large online platforms in check.

With the plan, a strong sign of fair competition and the protection of consumers from uncertain and dangerous products are set, said Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens). Nobody should gain an advantage by disregarding applicable law. “Our high European standards must apply equally to everyone.” Habeck’s ministry had developed a first version of the plan in the summer.

Trade association welcomes plan – and demands action

The trade association Germany (HDE) largely welcomed the action plan. “Our message has arrived, Temu and Shein’s constant fractures of control have to come to an end,” said HDE boss Alexander von Preen. However, acts would have to follow the declaration of war. It remains open how the legislation can ultimately be enforced towards third -country countries and what consequences they face. The association sees critically that the plan also provides for new rules for German trading companies.

A spokeswoman for Shein said that there is basically efforts to strengthen the confidence in online purchasing and the security of consumers. “We endeavor to comply with all laws and regulations in the markets in which we work,” said the Shein spokeswoman. In addition, teams specialized in the EU have been built up. You stand in active exchange with political decision -makers and regulatory authorities.

Online retailers such as Shein and Temu are very popular in this country. This is mainly due to the low prices. However, the portals are controversial. Commercial agents, politicians and consumer shooters criticize product quality, lack of controls and unfair competitive conditions. The portals reject the allegations.