MEPs demand faster enforcement and tougher sanctions for e‑commerce

Process in Brief

Parliament adopted a resolution by a show of hands addressing illegal and unsafe products sold to EU consumers via e‑commerce platforms, particularly non‑EU marketplaces such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Wish. The resolution concludes a parliamentary debate sparked by a scandal in France over the sale of child‑like sex dolls and weapons and highlights systemic failures in platform oversight and preventive mechanisms.

What Is at Stake

MEPs view the events in France as a serious breach of EU law and a threat to consumer safety, especially for minors, and urge the European Commission and member states to move from dialogue to decisive enforcement of the Digital Services Act and the General Product Safety Regulation. The text calls for options including temporary suspension of non‑compliant platforms in cases of repeated or systemic breaches, stronger customs and market surveillance, more dissuasive sanctions, a harmonised WTO‑compliant handling fee, and consideration of new regulatory obligations; it also raises concerns about underpaid labour, unlawful design imitation, unsafe products and textile waste.

Timeline

The resolution calls for increased financial and operational support under the upcoming multiannual financial framework and for bringing forward the implementing timeline of the revised Union Customs Code.