Six EU countries call for tough DSA action against platforms like Shein, Temu
Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and France have jointly called for a unified approach to enforcing EU standards in e-commerce. In a letter seen by Euronews, the six nations urged the European Commission to take all necessary measures to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) against Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The letter emphasized the importance of designating online marketplaces like Temu and Shein as VLOPs and rigorously enforcing the DSA to ensure compliance.
The DSA, which came into effect in February 2024, introduces transparency rules and obligations regarding illegal products for all online platforms. The Commission is tasked with collecting data on infringements in cooperation with national digital services coordinators to detect misconduct and impose sanctions effectively. The letter also highlighted the need for further enforcement measures, such as the digitization of product specifications through a digital product passport to automatically detect shortcomings.
The six countries also called for enhanced market surveillance through stronger intervention powers for authorities, particularly against e-commerce platforms. They proposed the use of automation and digitalization, including web-crawlers, to ensure consumer safety, especially for children. Additionally, they urged discussions on VAT and the removal of the €150 duty exemption to be prioritized, encouraging Hungary and the Commission to advance these proposals.
Data protection was another key concern, with the letter stressing the importance of understanding how e-commerce platforms collect and use data. The European Commission, set to be overseen by Finland’s Henna Virkkunen and Ireland’s Michael McGrath, has already initiated several DSA probes, including one against AliExpress. The German delegation added e-commerce as an agenda point to the ministers’ meeting to discuss European competitiveness and industry challenges.
Source: Six EU countries call for tough DSA action against platforms like Shein, Temu
