German Green Party Chair Franziska Brantner urges better protection for single-handed shops in Europe against unfair business practices from China. Chinese online shops “often do not deliver what they promise”, she told the Funke Media Group’s newspapers (Tuesday editions).
“The CE marking, which indicates that a product has been tested, can, for example, not be genuine. We in Europe, and also in Germany, need to take a closer look with the market surveillance authorities and customs to ensure that no unsafe disposable products are smuggled in unchecked.” Otherwise, single-handed shops and European manufacturers would have no chance.
Brantner particularly held the EU Commission responsible. Brussels has now classified the Chinese traders Temu and Shein as large online platforms, and this comes with obligations. “We will keep pushing for the Commission to really strictly check this and, in doubt, impose fines” she said.
The Green Party chair also appealed to the CDU and CSU to support a better protection of parcel couriers in the Bundestag. A Green Party draft law will ensure that delivery personnel no longer have to carry more than 23 kilograms alone. She hopes that the Union faction “will not only talk about humanity at Christmas, but will also support this law afterwards.” Then, everyone could “receive packages with a clearer conscience”.