EU Fines Temu €200m over Unsafe Products

The European Commission has fined Chinese online marketplace Temu €200 million ($226 million) for failing to prevent the sale of illegal and unsafe products on its platform.

The investigation lasted 19 months and found that European consumers were widely exposed to dangerous goods, including children’s toys, electronics, jewelry and clothing.

According to Brussels, undercover purchases during the probe revealed a high proportion of unsafe toys and a particularly large number of risky chargers. Investigators also identified substandard jewellery and clothing that failed to meet EU safety standards.

Consumer organizations had previously warned about toys containing small parts that pose choking hazards, pacifier chains capable of causing strangulation and jewellery containing lead. Regulators also raised concerns about clothing made with banned chemicals and chargers linked to risks of burns, electrocution and fire.

The Commission additionally criticized the platform’s internal systems, arguing that Temu’s recommendation algorithms and influencer-driven marketing may have amplified the spread of illegal products.

Temu, which reportedly has around 130 million users across the European Union, said it was reviewing the decision and considering further legal steps, including a possible appeal. The company added that it had already strengthened product controls, platform governance and consumer protection measures.

(guardian, bak)