Business owners in European countries feel increasing pressure from e-commerce players not abiding by fair trade and existing regulations.
According to the latest available statistics, 70% of consumers in Europe bought goods online in 2023. The largest e-commerce market in Europe, the United Kingdom, ranks as the third largest e-commerce market worldwide. China and the US take the top spots.
The UK market is dominated by Amazon, with US$16.1 billion in revenue in 2023.
Open letter from European businesses
In an open letter, European e-commerce companies advocate for “better enforcement of existing regulations.” E-commerce News reports that the group is unhappy to see how providers from outside the European Union are attracting European customers without adhering to the same rules.
They are concerned about double standards on regulations relating to:
- Consumer protection,
- Product safety,
- Counterfeit items,
- Data protection,
- Privacy,
- Environmental legislation and
- Tax legislation.
E-commerce regulations double standards
There are no caps on delivery prices for cross-border parcels. However, businesses have to disclose their prices early. This is to allow the customer to compare to other marketplaces.
On average, cross-border parcel delivery prices are up to five items higher than domestic delivery prices. New regulations make it easier to find the cheapest way to send a parcel.
New rules on online cross-border parcel delivery services make it easier to find the cheapest way of sending a parcel from one Member State to another.
Increasing pressure
New e-commerce players outside the EU are also a bone of contention for local players. Luca Cassetti from E-commerce Europe, says they are increasing pressure on the single market and established EU companies.
Cassetti warns that non-compliant foreign products can pose safety risks to EU consumers. The major problem is not that there are rules but that they are not being properly enforced on non-EU players.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
