The MEPs on the Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Committee (IMCO) have confirmed that an initial hearing on the Shein platform and the massive influx of illegal and dangerous products into the European market will be held on Thursday 4 December by the same committee, despite the platform’s refusal to appear before the MEPs (see EUROPE 13759/5).
The latter had already been convened by the elected representatives several months ago, to no avail. However, the IMCO committee believes that this hearing should serve as a first step towards examining the growing number of infringements being committed by the major online trading platforms.
“We need to send out a strong signal. Platforms that do not comply with the law must be able to be suspended [in Europe], and the access of Shein lobbyists and other operators responsible for illegal practices must be frozen for as long as these companies refuse to cooperate”, said Yvan Verougstraete MEP (Renew Europe, Belgian).
The Chinese e-commerce giant also refused to appear before the French National Assembly, citing legal arguments and the postponement of the hearing before the Paris Court, which should have been held on Wednesday 26 November (see EUROPE 13760/16). (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)