On February 5, 2025, the European Commission announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the risks posed by low-value imported goods sold through non-EU online retailers and platforms. These measures are part of the EU's Comprehensive Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce, covering areas such as customs, trade, consumer protection, and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Act.

Data shows that approximately 4.6 billion low-value parcels (valued at no more than €150 each) entered the EU market in 2023, averaging 12 million parcels per day, a three-fold increase compared to 2022. However, many of these goods were found to be non-compliant with EU regulations, potentially endangering consumer safety, posing unfair competition to European companies adhering to high standards, and negatively impacting the environment due to the large volume of parcel transport. To address these issues, the European Commission proposed the following measures:

1. Customs Reform: Calling for the swift adoption of the Customs Union Reform Programme, eliminating tariff exemptions for low-value parcels under €150, and strengthening data sharing and risk assessment capabilities. Furthermore, considering imposing a non-discriminatory processing fee on e-commerce goods directly imported to EU consumers to cover regulatory costs. 2. Strengthen Regulation and Enforcement: Enhance coordination between customs and market regulators, conduct initial product safety screenings, remove non-compliant goods, and strengthen risk analysis and follow-up enforcement.

3. Consumer Protection: Under the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, prioritize e-commerce regulation and strengthen online market oversight using tools such as the General Product Safety Regulation and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation.

4. Digital Tools: Enhance the detection of non-compliant products through "digital product passports" and artificial intelligence technologies.

5. Environmental Protection: Implement the first action plan of the Sustainable Product Design Act and promote revisions to the Waste Framework Directive to strengthen environmental protection.

6. Consumer and Business Empowerment: Conduct awareness campaigns to raise consumer awareness of rights, risks, and remedies.

7. International Cooperation: Provide training on EU product safety rules and assess potential dumping and subsidy practices.

The European Commission will work with Member States, legislatures, and stakeholders to implement these measures. One year later, the Commission will assess the effectiveness of the actions and publish a report, determining whether further strengthening of the existing framework and enforcement activities is necessary.