CNN Prima News | New EU tariff policy targets ultra-cheap Chinese e-shops

The European Commission plans to abolish the current exemption from customs duties on cheap goods from Chinese e-shops. Until now, a 150-euro limit has applied to parcels from outside the EU. The forthcoming amendment is part of a package that aims to simplify and digitalize EU customs policy. In an interview with CNN Prima News, EUROPEUM Institute researcher Rebecca Hengal spoke about the issue.

There is a suspicion that Chinese online platforms cannot produce their goods at such cheap prices without resorting to bad practices such as non-compliance with workplace rules and safety. It is also suspected that, for example, SHEIN exploits forced labour, particularly of the Uighur minority, and buys slave-produced cotton through a number of small suppliers.

You can listen to the full commentary from 8:07 here.

Rebeka Hengalová
Research Fellow