TIE: For Sale: Access to European Markets – two Euro
The European Commission’s proposed two Euro charge on small parcels entering the EU is not enough to address the high volume of illegal toys sold by non-EU traders on online marketplaces.
As finance ministers from across Europe convene in Brussels on June 20th, Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) urges them to look beyond symbolic measures and urgently take more effective action to address the serious risks to children posed by unsafe and other non-compliant toys entering the EU market1.
TIE acknowledges the Commission’s intent to improve customs oversight but warns that the two Euro charge falls far short of what is needed. It stands in sharp contrast to a more effective $100 fee recently announced by the US.
A two Euro charge will not allow customs to properly test contents of the huge volume of parcels that come into the EU every day. It means the insufficient system of documentation-only checks will remain. As long as platform accountability and customs resource issues are not properly addressed, EU consumers remain at risk and EU business competitiveness is damaged.
The charge could prove counterproductive
At the same time, the charge could prove counterproductive: A mere low import fee instead of a stringent accountability framework serves as a cheap license for non-compliant toy sellers to continue to ignore safety rules and undercut EU-based companies through online platform sales. Whereas EU-based companies invest in product safety and meet strict regulatory standards, third-party online sellers very often do not.
Crucially, the fee does not address the broader policy failure: online marketplaces can continue to list products without being held accountable when no responsible party exists in the EU. Without mandatory liability, effective enforcement, and real deterrents, unsafe goods will continue to reach consumers unchecked.
Two Euro won’t stop non-compliant goods
“What we’re seeing here is access to the EU market being put up for sale at just two Euro – a totally insignificant cost of doing business for those who sell unsafe toys,” said Catherine Van Reeth, Director -General of TIE. “It’s a low cost to rogue traders but a high price for children’s safety and for reputable companies. Two Euro won’t stop non-compliant goods, won’t protect children, and won’t bring about fair competition responsible EU companies.”
TIE calls on EU finance ministers to ensure that this handling fee is not used as a reason to delay more impactful reforms. The EU must act urgently to strengthen customs controls, close legal loopholes, and establish clear accountability for goods sold online.
(1)80% of toys bought from third-party traders on online marketplaces fail EU safety standards and could be a danger to children – Toy Industries of Europe