EU's Actions Against Fast Fashion Retailers: Shein and Temu Under Fire

Friday, 27 September 2024, 14:00

EU authorities are focusing on the fast fashion sector, particularly on online retailers like Shein and Temu. The EU is exploring customs duties on low-value items from China, highlighting trade tensions and safety concerns surrounding these products. With skyrocketing imports and potential violations of EU regulations, the European Commission's scrutiny of these companies is intensifying.
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EU's Actions Against Fast Fashion Retailers: Shein and Temu Under Fire

EU Considers Actions Against Online Retailers

The EU is looking into measures to address the surge of online retailers from China, especially fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Regulatory officials are contemplating the introduction of customs duties on low-value items imported from China, which fall below the €150 import tax threshold.

Concerns Over Trade Practices and Safety

The European Commission is particularly concerned about the rapid increase of shipments from these companies, which have aggressively marketed themselves to European consumers. Over the current year, imports valued at US$8.51 billion represent a 61% increase compared to the previous two years.

  • Fast fashion items lack adherence to EU standards, raising alarms about product quality.
  • Germany has emerged as a leader in demanding actions against these imports, emphasizing their impact on local businesses.
  • There is a push to utilize the Digital Services Act (DSA) to investigate the practices of these retailers.

Regulatory Challenges and Investigations

With the investigation into Shein's advertising practices already underway, concerns about misleading claims regarding sustainability are on the rise. Notably, the EU's scrutiny coincides with increasing trade tensions:

  1. Amid allegations of greenwashing, Italian authorities have initiated a probe into misleading advertising by Shein.
  2. The United States has also begun to crack down on similar practices from Chinese retailers.
  3. Trade tensions are escalating as China responds with its investigations into European exports.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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