European Union lawmakers have launched their first parliamentary visit to China in eight years, pressing Beijing to address a surge of dangerous products entering the bloc via e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein. The three-day visit, which began on Tuesday, follows the EU's agreement to overhaul its customs system, including stricter measures against online marketplaces that sell illegal or unsafe goods.
The EU delegation, led by Anna Cavazzini, chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee, met with senior officials from China's market regulator and members of the National People's Congress. They raised concerns about consumer and product safety, forced labour, and the protection of minors online, as well as EU companies' access to the Chinese market.
Brussels is particularly focused on the high volume of low-value parcels entering the bloc, with 5.8 billion expected in 2025. Currently, parcels under €150 are exempt from customs duty, a loophole that has fuelled the growth of Chinese platforms. The EU estimates that over 90% of these parcels come from China.
Beijing has welcomed the visit as an opportunity to stabilise bilateral relations, especially after China lifted sanctions on several EU lawmakers last year. The delegation is also scheduled to meet representatives from Shein, Alibaba, and Temu during their stay.
