MEPs unite to demand urgent action on e-commerce
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The Left also wants Amazon, Temu and Shein to be "banned from the EU".

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Describing the flood of unsafe products into the EU as a “tsunami”, Green MEP Saskia Bricmont said further action was needed to protect consumers and prevent counterfeiting. She added that it was important for the EU to propose “alternative and affordable consumption models” based on the use of local and second-hand products and a circular economy.

[…]

“Non-EU platforms have avoided paying any environmental fees and have undermined efforts to move towards a circular economy,” [Maria Guzenina (S&D)] said.

[…]

MEP Leila Chaibi (The Left) also wants the Commission to strengthen rules on digital fairness.

According to her, Amazon, Temu and Shein should be “banned from the EU” as long as they fail to comply with EU laws on conformity standards, as well as social and environmental norms.

[…]

The Commission unveiled its e-commerce strategy in February, which focuses on better cooperation between the EU and national authorities. On the same day, it announced new actions against Shein under its consumer protection rules and emphasised that e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Temu and Shein face ongoing investigations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

However, the Commission said it would wait a year before evaluating its e-commerce strategy.

  • Hotznplotzn@lemmy.sdf.orgOPEnglish
    10·
    8 days ago

    As an addition to Shein which aims at IPO at the London Stock exchange (article from 20 March 2025):

    Why Shein’s Prices Are So Cheap, And Why You Shouldn’t Fall For It

    [The fast fast turnaround time of new product at Shein] comes at the expense of poor working conditions. A 2022 documentary by the UK’s Channel 4 called “Inside the Shein Machine: UNTOLD” details horrific working conditions, with factory workers subjected to 18-hour work days and only one day off per month. In addition, it alleged that workers were paid approximately $550 per month to make at least 500 pieces of clothing per day. By cutting labor costs, SHEIN is able to price its products more competitively than other fashion brands that comply with labor regulations […]

    [Investigations within another SHEIN supply chain company revealed that people] are working 12-hour days for typically seven days per week — similar conditions to the ones reported in the UK documentary in 2022. Despite the additional years of supposed efforts to improve conditions within SHEIN’s supply chain, workers at some suppliers indicated that not much had changed […]

    The environmental impact of fast fashion is well documented, with mountains of discarded clothes ending up in landfills. SHEIN’s cheap prices and $7.99 shipping fee for returns result in many buyers not bothering to return ill-fitting or poor-quality pieces. As a result, many of these clothes are discarded, destined for landfills. While you might end up with some good pieces, getting badly stitched or poor-quality items from SHEIN is not uncommon. Even if you get a piece of clothing that fits well, it might not last more than a few washes.