Parliament calls for stronger safeguards against unfair foreign competition

Clearer rules on product origin, traceability and identification of economic operators

Faster rollout of the digital product passport (DPP)

Reduced administrative burdens for European SMEs to enhance competitiveness

Stronger consumer protection and redress mechanisms

On Wednesday, MEPs adopted a resolution asking for stronger EU action to protect companies, jobs and consumers from unfair competition by non-EU operators.

The resolution, drafted by the Committee on Petitions and adopted by show of hands, highlights the rapid growth of non-EU e-commerce in the EU single market and the increasing number of products that do not comply with EU safety, environmental or labour standards.

Stronger protection for EU businesses

MEPs warn that unfair competition from third countries, often supported by state subsidies, is pressuring EU companies, particularly SMEs and family-owned businesses, and contributing to job losses.

They call on the Commission to make full use of EU trade-defence instruments, including anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures, and to simplify regulatory requirements to reduce the burden on EU businesses. MEPs also stress the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions and the faster application of interim measures in cases of systemic breaches of EU law.

Ensuring compliance in e-commerce

Parliament is concerned about the growing number of goods sold via non-EU online platforms that do not comply with EU standards. These products, often sold at very low prices, distort the functioning of EU single market and pose risks to consumer health and safety.

MEPs call on the Commission and member states to step up enforcement across all sales channels, ensuring non-compliant products are swiftly removed and operators held accountable.

To improve traceability, MEPs support clearer rules on product origin and the identification of responsible economic operators, as well as stricter enforcement of CE marking requirements. They also urge the rapid rollout of the digital product passport (DPP), particularly for high-risk sectors such as textiles, footwear, children’s products, cosmetics and electronics.

Stronger consumer protection

MEPs want more effective redress mechanisms to ensure consumers can obtain refunds, replacements or compensation for unsafe or non-compliant goods purchased from non-EU sellers.

The resolution also supports the creation of a user-friendly EU-wide online complaints platform, available in all EU languages, and an awareness campaign promoting responsible consumption and EU-made products.

Quote

“The impetus for this resolution originated from petitions submitted by entrepreneurs in Poland, manufacturers of children’s products and footwear, who have raised serious concerns that unfair competition from third countries is undermining European businesses, threatening jobs, and compromising consumer safety. Products that fail to comply with our quality and safety standards are entering the European Union market, including products intended for the youngest children. We cannot accept a situation in which European companies that adhere to stringent standards are placed at a disadvantage by imports that do not meet basic requirements and circumvent EU legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that Europe must safeguard its own production capacities, strategic autonomy, and employment.

Therefore, I sincerely hope that this resolution will not remain merely a political declaration but will mark the beginning of concrete measures aimed at ensuring fair competition and strengthening the protection of European enterprises, workers, and consumers” said the rapporteur, Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, Poland).