The German Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) is urgently calling on the federal government to take decisive action against the influx of unsafe goods entering Germany through international online platforms like Temu and Shein. Ramona Pop, co-director of the VZBV, criticized what she described as a reactive and inadequate response from Berlin, arguing that symbolic gestures alone are insufficient to address the growing problem.
Pop’s statement comes in response to criticism levied by the German Retail Federation, who accused the government of failing to provide adequate support for domestic businesses and manufacturers facing unfair competition and safety risks posed by these platforms. The Retail Federation’s president, Alexander von Preen, directly accused the government of “refusal of assistance” at a recent industry congress in Berlin, highlighting the detrimental impact on established German retailers.
The core of the VZBV’s concern lies in the point of entry for these potentially hazardous goods. Pop emphasized that intervention often proves ineffective once products have cleared customs. She argues the current regulatory framework is riddled with loopholes, leaving consumers vulnerable and establishing an uneven playing field for businesses adhering to European safety standards.
The VZBV is demanding a fundamental shift in responsibility, advocating for greater accountability being placed on the operators of online marketplaces. These platforms, Pop insists, must be compelled to proactively ensure that all products sold through their services meet the requisite European safety standards, rather than relying on reactive measures and customs inspections. The call signifies a growing political pressure for the German government to address the complexities of cross-border e-commerce and protect both consumers and domestic industries from potentially harmful and unfair market practices.