The measures proposed by the Commission are insufficient – the processing fee will not solve the problems of online marketplaces
The European Commission has proposed the introduction of a processing fee of two euros to the member states as part of a customs reform that would only enter into force at the end of the decade. 4.6 billion parcels flow from online marketplaces to the EU market, a significant proportion of which do not meet the requirements of EU regulation. The proposed processing fee will not change the current situation.
The Finnish Commerce Federation considers the proposal for a processing fee of two euros for e-commerce imports arriving in the EU area from third countries to be a step in the right direction towards fairer e-commerce. However, we emphasize that the proposed fee is not sufficient to solve the challenges of ensuring the legality, safety and compliance of products arriving from third countries.
The Finnish Commerce Federation believes that a long-term solution to existing problems requires online marketplaces to be held responsible for ensuring that the products sold through them meet the EU’s product safety and environmental requirements before they can be offered to consumers.
“Increasing the responsibility of platform operators is the only way to ensure the same rules for all operators in the EU market,” says Kari Luoto, Managing Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
It is also unclear what kind of concrete obligations would arise for the customs authorities as a result of the processing fee and whether the proposed fee would cover the increased costs of the customs authorities. The processing fee would also not improve the operating conditions and funding of the market surveillance authorities.
The Finnish Commerce Federation calls for solutions that genuinely promote responsible and equal e-commerce in the EU’s internal market. The Finnish Commerce Federation considers it important that the processing fee is not seen as an alternative to the additional obligations imposed on e-commerce platforms. Both are needed to ensure consumer protection, fair competition and compliance.
“In the commerce sector, we expect the Commission to take new and fast-acting measures to protect consumers and ensure the competitiveness of European companies,” says Luoto.
For further information, please contact:
Kari Luoto, Managing Director, Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 (0) 400 688 708, kari.luoto(at)kauppa.fi