Imports and e-commerce: towards more control and sustainability

European consumers are increasingly ordering products on international platforms, increasing the risk of importing products that do not meet EU standards. To counter this phenomenon, the Commission wants to impose stronger obligations on online platforms and third party vendors. Among the main measures announced are:

• Strengthening due diligence obligationsPlatforms will have to ensure that products sold meet European safety standards before they are posted online.

• Increased accountability of vendors and intermediariesMarketplaces will need to better identify sellers and ensure better traceability of products.

• An intensification of customs controlsThe Commission plans to improve surveillance tools and border controls to limit the entry of dangerous or counterfeit goods.

• Removal of the exemption from customs duties for low value packages (less than 150 €) :With this abolition, the EU aims to restore fairer competition between European and foreign traders, while generating additional revenue for Member States.

Beyond security, the EU wants to incorporate stricter environmental and ethical criteria into e-commerce imports. This implies:

• Increased product sustainability requirements: particular emphasis will be placed on the criteria of repairability and recycling.

• Reducing excessive packaging and waste generated by e-commerceA stricter regulation on the use of plastic and on logistical optimization could be introduced.

• Increased accountability of foreign vendorsThe EU plans to impose environmental obligations on non-European suppliers to ensure more virtuous supply chains.

These new measures are aimed at transforming the international e-commerce landscape. For businesses, including importers, freight forwarders and online sales platforms, it will be crucial to anticipate these developments and adapt their processes if they are to be implemented.