The surge of Chinese online retailers like Temu and Shein in Finland has sparked concerns among lawmakers and authorities. Shipments from non-EU retailers have soared from 4 million in 2023 to 25 million this year, with Chinese companies dominating low-cost imports, Finnish Customs reports.
Tiina Vermaete of the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) warned that many foreign e-commerce platforms ignore EU producer responsibility laws, leaving local authorities to manage waste disposal and sustainability issues.
“Non-compliance shifts costs to others,” she emphasized.
Lawmakers, including Antti Kaikkonen, are advocating higher taxes on ultra-cheap goods to curb environmental harm and promote sustainable consumption. Additionally, Espoo city councillors have raised alarms over unsafe, low-cost items in kindergartens, urging stricter regulation.
This comes as the EU investigates Chinese retailers under the Digital Services Act, citing counterfeit products and harmful business practices.
Source: Helsinki Times
