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The European Union is intensifying its efforts to rein in Chinese e-commerce giants, with fast-fashion retailer Shein under fire for unfair business practices and a new fee proposed on billions of small parcels—a move that could affect shoppers in Czechia.
The European Commission on Monday formally accused Shein of violating EU consumer protection laws, including misleading discount labels, aggressive sales tactics, vague return policies, and false sustainability claims. The company has one month to submit a corrective action plan or risk financial penalties based on its turnover in affected EU member states.
The action, coordinated with regulators in Belgium, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands, comes as part of a broader crackdown on major digital platforms. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act, Shein is classified as a “very large online platform” and is subject to heightened oversight.
Small-parcel fees incoming
At the same time, the EU is planning to impose a flat €2 (CZK 50) fee on small parcels entering the bloc, largely targeting packages from Chinese online marketplaces such as Shein and Temu. The Financial Times reported last week that the fee is intended to ease the burden on overwhelmed customs authorities, who process roughly 4.6 billion such packages annually.
Though not technically a tariff, the charge would apply to all low-value parcels that currently fall under the EUR 150 (CZK 3,730) threshold for customs duties. Part of the revenue would go toward customs processing costs, while the remainder would bolster the EU budget.
European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the initiative also addresses concerns from EU-based retailers, who argue that cheap, loosely regulated imports from China represent unfair competition and sometimes deliver substandard or unsafe goods.
In Czechia, where Shein has rapidly become a dominant player in online fashion retail, the developments could hit close to home. In 2024, the retailer posted an estimated USD 339 million in gross merchandise value, outpacing rivals like Vinted and Heureka. According to Sensor Tower data, its mobile app drew nearly 200,000 weekly active users during its peak in 2023.
If approved, the parcel fee would likely appear at checkout or during final delivery— meaning Czech shoppers could soon see prices rise on their favorite low-cost imports.
