Are you sourcing products from e-commerce platforms like SHEIN, Temu, or AliExpress? Recent findings from Dutch regulatory authorities reveal concerning statistics about product safety that every importer and manufacturer should know about.
In a joint statement to the Minister of Economic Affairs, six Dutch market surveillance authorities have raised serious concerns about the safety of products entering the EU through e-commerce platforms. Their findings are particularly relevant for product safety managers, compliance officers, and business leaders who import or manufacture consumer goods.
The Netherlands serves as a crucial gateway for e-commerce products entering the EU, handling approximately 40% of all e-commerce imports - over 1 billion parcels annually. However, the rapid growth in direct-to-consumer sales from Asian manufacturers through platforms like SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress has created significant challenges for maintaining product safety standards.
Most concerning, European market surveillance authorities found that 85% to 95% of inspected products from these platforms failed to meet EU product legislation requirements. These non-compliant products range from toys with choking hazards to electronics prone to overheating or causing interference. Many items also contained prohibited substances such as lead.
For businesses operating in the EU market, here's what you need to ensure:
Your products must be proven effective, safe, and sustainable
You need a European representative who can be held accountable for compliance
All supply chain participants must actively monitor and guarantee product conformity
Documentation proving compliance with EU standards must be readily available
The current situation has become so challenging that Dutch authorities admit they cannot effectively check all incoming products at the border. This puts both consumer safety and fair competition at risk, as compliant companies face unfair competition from those bypassing regulations.
What's next? The Dutch authorities call for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders in the production, trade, and transport chain. For businesses committed to maintaining high safety standards, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in product compliance and consumer protection.
Need help ensuring your products meet EU safety requirements? Contact our team at Alura Group for guidance on navigating these regulatory challenges and maintaining compliance in your supply chain.