After an eight-year hiatus, European Parliament representatives have embarked on an official visit to China. The primary goal is to pressure the world’s second-largest economy regarding the massive influx of faulty goods into Europe and the hurdles faced by EU companies seeking to operate in the Chinese market.
Customs Reform Targeting E-commerce Giants
The talks, which began last Tuesday, coincide with a major overhaul of EU customs regulations. Brussels plans to curb the dominance of Chinese sales platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. Currently, parcels valued under €150 benefit from duty exemptions, which has been a cornerstone of these services’ rapid growth. New regulations aim to introduce strict penalties for platforms offering illegal or safety-compromising products.
Visit Itinerary and Diplomatic Context
The nine-member team, led by Anna Cavazzini (Chair of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee), met with high-ranking officials from China’s market regulator and members of the National People’s Congress.
Beijing hopes the three-day visit will help stabilize mutual relations. This diplomatic thaw follows China’s decision to lift sanctions on several EU politicians—a move experts see as an attempt to offset Beijing’s growing trade disputes with Washington. Notably, in 2021, China blacklisted 10 individuals and 4 EU entities in retaliation for Brussels’ sanctions concerning human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region.
Key Discussion Topics
The Brussels delegation presented a broad list of concerns, including:
- Product Safety: Combatting the flood of goods that do not meet EU standards.
- Production Ethics: The issue of forced labor in supply chains.
- Protection of Minors: Online safety for the youngest users.
- Market Access: Eliminating barriers for European enterprises in China.
The Scale of the Challenge: Billions of Parcels Yearly
The European Union faces a massive logistical and regulatory challenge. It is estimated that in 2025, as many as 5.8 billion low-value parcels entered the bloc, with over 90% coming directly from China. The Union aims to tighten the duty collection system and verify the safety standards of these shipments.
Direct Talks with Tech Giants
The visit schedule also included meetings with the management of Alibaba, Temu, and Shein.
