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The government wants to triple checks on small packages from China, such as those from Shein or Temu

The government wants to triple checks on small packages from China, such as those from Shein or Temu

By The New Obs with AFP

Published on

Packages from the Chinese brand Shein, in Paris, February 26, 2025.

Packages from the Chinese brand Shein, in Paris, February 26, 2025. JOAO LUIZ BULCAO / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP

The Minister Delegate for Trade and Consumer Affairs, Véronique Louwagie, announced this Friday, May 16, that she wants to tighten controls on small packages arriving from China , accused by professionals in the sector of causing difficulties for French businesses through aggressive competition.

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The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will triple its controls on Chinese brands such as Shein and Temu, states " Le Figaro ", quoting the minister, for whom "the standards are not at all respected, both in terms of manufacturing conditions and marketing" .

The minister also indicated that she is considering "a ban on advertising" on Chinese platforms. Her announcements will be included in a circular, according to the newspaper. Contacted by AFP, Véronique Louwagie's office did not immediately respond.

These announcements come amid fears of an influx of Chinese products into Europe as a result of the trade war between the United States and China. Small packages worth less than €150, which are exempt from customs duties in Europe, are particularly targeted.

4.6 billion small parcels in the EU in 2024

At the end of April, France proposed charging "management fees" on these parcels entering Europe, to finance the controls that are set to be strengthened, while many trade professionals denounce a form of unfair competition from e-commerce platforms such as Shein or Temu, "fast fashion" brands .

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Some 4.6 billion shipments worth less than €150 entered the European market in 2024, or more than 145 every second. Of this total, 91% came from China.

In France alone, 800 million of these parcels were delivered last year (out of a total of 1.5 billion parcels).

By The New Obs with AFP

Le Nouvel Observateur

Le Nouvel Observateur

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