A delegation from the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee has wrapped up a high-profile visit to China, calling for stricter enforcement of
product safety rules, fair competition, and more sustainable e-commerce practices.
The mission, which took place in Beijing and Shanghai from 31 March to 2 April, marked the committee’s first official trip to China in eight years. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) engaged with Chinese lawmakers, regulatory authorities, and major online retail platforms to better understand the country’s fast-evolving e-commerce ecosystem.
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with representatives from major Chinese platforms such as Alibaba, Shein, and Temu, alongside European business representatives operating in China and Chinese customs officials.
A key concern raised by MEPs was the overwhelming volume of small parcels entering the European Union from China, which now account for roughly 91% of such imports. Lawmakers warned that this surge is creating an uneven competitive landscape, putting European businesses at a disadvantage.
They also highlighted structural overproduction in China’s manufacturing sector, arguing that it contributes to market saturation in Europe. According to the delegation, this trend risks undermining fair competition within the EU’s single market.
Product safety emerged as another major issue. In light of recent controversies involving Chinese online platforms, MEPs voiced concerns about insufficient oversight and the potential risks posed to European consumers. They stressed that all companies operating in the EU must comply fully with its digital regulations and consumer protection standards.
“Safety rules are not optional,” the delegation emphasized, urging Chinese platforms to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that unsafe products do not reach European consumers.
Speaking at the conclusion of the visit, Anna Cavazzini, who led the delegation, underscored the importance of direct dialogue with Chinese counterparts.
She noted that while affordable goods benefit consumers, they should not come at the expense of safety or regulatory compliance. Cavazzini called for stronger accountability mechanisms, particularly in areas such as product recalls, customs duties, and enforcement of EU standards.
China–EU relations: broader context
This visit comes at a sensitive moment in European Union–China relations, which are increasingly shaped by both cooperation and strategic rivalry.
On one hand, China remains one of the EU’s largest trading partners, with deep economic interdependence—especially in manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods. On the other hand, tensions have been rising over trade imbalances, market access, state subsidies, and regulatory standards.
E-commerce has become a new frontier in this relationship. The rapid expansion of Chinese platforms into Europe has sparked debates over digital sovereignty, consumer protection, and the enforcement of EU laws such as the Digital Services Act and product safety regulations.
The EU is pushing for a “level playing field,” insisting that foreign companies adhere to the same rules as European businesses. Meanwhile, China has signaled willingness to engage, but differences remain in regulatory philosophy and market governance.
This latest parliamentary visit reflects a broader EU strategy: maintaining economic ties with China while becoming more assertive in defending its regulatory standards and market integrity.