AliExpress Faces Strict European Regulation : New Taxes and Ecological Penalty

The European Commission is considering a drastic measure to regulate Chinese online retail giants, particularly AliExpress.

This initiative aims to eliminate the customs duty exemption for imported products under €150.

Currently, orders below this threshold escape additional fees, thus favoring AliExpress in the European market.

An Offensive That Could Hurt

Europe’s plan is simple but radical: remove the customs duty exemption on products under €150.

This measure targets Chinese giants, who base their business model on low prices and non-existent fees.

If adopted, it would deliver a decisive blow to AliExpress, forcing consumers to pay more for each order.

Impact on Consumers and the Platform

Under current law, every order placed outside the European Union escapes customs duties if its value is below €150.

For Chinese platforms, this specificity almost always guarantees the absence of additional fees.

But the European Commission might reverse its decision, as it has already done for Chinese electric cars sold in Europe.

In 2023, two billion parcels worth less than €150 were shipped to Europe from abroad.

These small packages overwhelm customs services and create unfair competition, according to Brussels.

An Ecological Penalty in Sight

The European Commission also plans an ecological penalty. This system would impose up to €10 in tax on each item ordered.

The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of online sales platforms, often accused of multiplying products to the detriment of the environment.

Reinforced Safety Standards

Brussels also wants to legislate on the quality of imported products. Items sold on AliExpress rarely meet European safety standards.

Europe intends to crack down on this point to protect consumers.

Reactions from European Players

European industry players support this project. They believe it restores fair competition.

AliExpress will have to choose between absorbing the additional costs or relocating part of its production to Europe, an unlikely option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the European Commission‘s measure against Chinese online retail giants, and AliExpress in particular, could shake up the market.

By eliminating the customs duty exemption for products under €150, European consumers will pay more.

Additionally, the implementation of strict quality standards and an ecological penalty will strengthen regulation.

This initiative aims to protect consumers and reduce environmental impact while restoring fair competition in the European market.