HDE composes a communication to Klingbeil concerning Temu and Shein businesses
The Association of German Trade (HDE) has implored Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil to expedite and enforce measures against Shein and Temu at the European Union (EU) level, according to "Der Spiegel". The HDE expressed concern that EU-compliant companies should not be placed at a disadvantage against their Chinese counterparts, who are not bound by EU standards and regulation.
In anticipation of an upcoming meeting of EU finance ministers on June 20, the HDE called on Klingbeil to send a "clear signal" against the influx of Chinese packages and non-compliant products. They noted that the necessary tools for this enforcement are already available.
As supporters of the proposed measures, the HDE suggested possible actions such as abolishing the 150-euro customs exemption and implementing a handling fee specifically for Chinese packages. They emphasized that this fee should only apply to shipments from countries outside the EU and be levied exclusively on parcels delivered directly to end consumers. This distinction would prevent an increase in the costs of international purchases for domestic retail companies.
The retail trade sector is not the only one affected by unfair competition, as thousands of supplier companies also face similar challenges, claimed the HDE. These companies are grappling with sales losses of up to 60 percent, and retailers are left with excess inventory produced at higher prices due to this unfair competition.
The European Union has been actively tackling these issues, with proposals such as a €2 handling fee for low-value parcels from outside the bloc and the eventual removal of the duty-free treatment for low-value consignments by 2028. The EU has also emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance for these companies to ensure their products meet safety standards and adhere to consumer protection laws.
The broader retail sector, including companies like Zalando, has welcomed these EU proposals, believing they will help create a level playing field and lessen unfair competition from companies like Shein and Temu.
dts news agency.
In the lead-up to the EU finance ministers' meeting on June 20, the Association of German Trade (HDE) pleads with Minister Klingbeil to adopt stricter measures against businesses like Shein and Temu, citing their non-compliance with EU standards and regulations as a threat to local finance, business, and general-news industries within the EU. The HDE proposes actions such as abolishing the 150-euro customs exemption and implementing a handling fee for Chinese packages, aiming to protect EU-compliant companies and prevent disadvantage in the market. This move is supported by other sectors, like the broader retail sector, including companies like Zalando, who seek a level playing field and lessened unfair competition.
