EU lawmakers confront China over surge of unsafe products

EU takes a tough stand as unsafe Chinese products flood European markets. Rising imports spark safety fears—Europe demands answers from China.

In a rare and closely watched diplomatic mission, European Union lawmakers have arrived in Beijing with a clear message: concerns over unsafe products, market barriers, and fair competition can no longer be ignored. The visit marks the first official parliamentary delegation from the EU to China in eight years, signaling a cautious thaw in relations—but also a firm stance on pressing trade issues.

Led by Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, the nine-member delegation wasted no time in raising alarms. Their primary concern? A surge of low-cost, potentially unsafe goods flooding European markets—many of them shipped directly from Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Over the past few years, platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress have exploded in popularity across Europe. Their business model relies heavily on direct-to-consumer shipping, often taking advantage of a long-standing EU policy that exempts parcels valued under 150 euros from customs duties. While convenient for consumers, lawmakers argue this loophole has also opened the door to poorly regulated products entering the bloc.

The numbers are staggering. In 2025 alone, the EU recorded approximately 5.8 billion low-value parcels entering its borders—more than 90% of them originating from China. For regulators, this volume presents a logistical nightmare, making it increasingly difficult to enforce safety standards and protect consumers.

During meetings with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and members of the National People’s Congress, EU lawmakers highlighted what they described as a “high influx of dangerous and non-compliant products.” These concerns range from faulty electronics and toxic materials to items that fail to meet basic safety requirements for children.

But product safety is just one piece of the puzzle.

The delegation also raised sensitive issues such as forced labour, digital protection for minors, and limited access for European companies operating in China. These topics have long been points of contention between Brussels and Beijing, often straining diplomatic ties.

China, for its part, has welcomed the visit. Officials see it as an opportunity to stabilize relations after years of tension, including a tit-for-tat sanctions dispute that began in 2021. In a notable shift, Beijing lifted sanctions on several EU lawmakers last year—a move widely interpreted as an attempt to ease friction, especially as its economic rivalry with the United States intensifies.

Despite the warmer tone, the underlying tensions remain.

The EU is currently overhauling its customs system to address the challenges posed by the surge in e-commerce imports. New rules under discussion include stricter safety checks and potential penalties for platforms that allow illegal or unsafe products to be sold within the bloc. These measures are expected to directly impact Chinese companies, many of which rely heavily on the European market.

As part of their visit, EU lawmakers are also scheduled to meet representatives from Alibaba and Shein. One particularly sensitive topic expected to surface is an ongoing investigation into the alleged sale of inappropriate products, including controversial items that have sparked outrage in Europe.

For consumers, the stakes are high. Cheap, fast-delivered goods have transformed shopping habits, but lawmakers warn that affordability should not come at the expense of safety and ethical standards.

For businesses, the message is equally clear: the era of minimal oversight may be coming to an end.

And for EU-China relations, this visit could mark a turning point. While both sides appear eager to rebuild dialogue, the road ahead will depend on whether meaningful compromises can be reached.

As the three-day visit unfolds in Beijing, one thing is certain—Europe is no longer willing to turn a blind eye to what’s arriving at its doorstep.