Source: European Parliament
On 26 June 2025, IMCO approved an own initiative report on product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports. This report includes the digitalisation of market surveillance and customs processes through technologies such as AI and block chain. It also delves into improved consumer transparency on product safety and sustainability.
Rapporteur Salvatore De Meo (EPP) reaffirmed the importance of simplifying the regulatory framework, clarifying platform liability and the role of the ‘responsible person’ for non-EU imports and delineating non-fiscal duties under the deemed importer Union Custom Code framework. Additional elements comprise a reference to working conditions in large “warehouses”, a mention of exploring reduced VAT for second-hand goods, the need for adequately covering fast fashion, and a reference to the impact of e-commerce logistics on urban environments and city centres. On the handling fee, the report simply acknowledges the Commission’s proposal at this stage, pending further assessment.