BRUSSELS – EURATEX, the European textile trade body, has joined a coalition of NGOs and European industry groups who are urging EU policymakers to close legal loopholes concerning the regulation of online marketplaces. A joint statement by 58 organisations highlights the increasing availability of non-compliant products in the European market through these platforms. These, it is argued, are not currently held accountable for product safety, sustainability, or compliance with environmental regulations.
The call comes ahead of the upcoming 2024-2029 legislative mandate, as stakeholders demand that online marketplaces be held to higher standards of responsibility. The statement emphasizes that while online platforms play a crucial role in modern commerce by facilitating transactions between third-party sellers and buyers, they are currently not required to ensure that the products sold through them meet EU standards.
Products sold online that fail to comply with EU laws span a range of policy areas, including product safety, sustainability, intellectual property rights, and extended producer responsibility schemes. The coalition notes that the Green Deal and other initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability have been undermined by the lack of regulation for online marketplaces.
“Non-compliant products pose significant risks to consumers, the environment, and the competitiveness of European businesses,” the statement asserts. “The ineffective enforcement of EU regulations on online marketplaces threatens the credibility of EU legislation.”
The joint statement proposes several reforms, including recognizing online marketplaces as economic operators, meaning they would be held liable for ensuring that products sold through their platforms meet EU regulations. Additionally, the coalition suggests enhancing product traceability, empowering customs authorities, and allocating more resources to market surveillance.
As online sales continue to grow, the group stresses the need for urgent action to protect consumers and businesses from non-compliant imports, with particular focus on goods sold from third countries. A recent study found that up to 95 per cent of products sold via online marketplaces were non-compliant with EU chemical laws, highlighting the need for more stringent regulations.
The coalition hopes these recommendations will lead to stronger, more effective enforcement of EU laws, promoting fair competition and ensuring that consumers are protected from unsafe products.
A growing number of non-compliant products are entering the EU market, harming consumers, the environment, and fair competition. We urge the EU to take action to ensure a level playing field and protect consumers from unsafe and unsustainable products.
