Nine MEPs visited China between 31 March and 2 April, the first such visit for more than eight years. In light of current events, the discussions focused on e-commerce issues and the conformity of products sent from this country to Europe (see EUROPE 13744/7).
The MEPs also visited the main platforms, such as Alibaba, Shein and Temu, as well as representatives of EU companies and Chinese customs authorities. The EU market is still facing an upsurge in small non-compliant parcels sent from China on a massive scale, posing problems for health and public order (see EUROPE 13782/8).
A situation opposed by a number of long-serving MEPs, including Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, German). “Over the last few years, we have seen a radical transformation in the online business model. More needs to be done to ensure that companies are held accountable when they fail to comply with the rules”, she said at the end of the visit.
In 2025, European customs registered a record number of dangerous and non-compliant packages entering the EU. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)