The European Commission yesterday announced that Chinese online marketplace Temu and fast-fashion retailer Shein will be held responsible for the sale of unsafe and dangerous products on their platforms as part of a broader crackdown on cheap e-commerce imports flooding the European Union. The EU will also launch a joint investigation into Shein for possible violations of EU consumer protection rules. This move follows similar actions by the US government, which recently ended a trade provision allowing retailers like Temu and Shein to ship low-value packages duty-free. The Commission expressed concern over the 4.6 billion low-value items imported from China in 2024, contributing to unfair competition for EU businesses and environmental harm. Both Shein and Temu are engaging with authorities to address the issues raised, with Shein expressing a commitment to ensuring consumer safety.