AliExpress in the Hot Seat: EU Commission Slaps Chinese E-Commerce Giant with Illegality Allegations
EU Commission alleges AliExpress with illegally peddling prohibited items
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The online trading powerhouse, AliExpress, is taking heat from the EU Commission, accused of selling goods banned by European regulations. The Chinese website is criticized for falling short in preventing illegal product sales like counterfeits and chemically altered items.
In a straight-talk, the EU Commission shed light on AliExpress's weaknesses, stating that the platform's limited resources hinder thorough monitoring and removal of illicit offers. While the company's terms of service outline penalties for persistent offenders, these penalties rarely see the light of day, according to Brussels insiders.
The investigative mission by the EU Commission started over a year ago. Over time, AliExpress has made adjustments, such as beefing up medicine and dietary supplement control and nixing the promotion of dangerous goods through influencers. The platform also agreed to make advertisements more straightforward and to provide information about their product recommendations' underlying algorithms, as well as supply general data to scientists.
Despite these concessions, the EU Commission's concerns remain unaddressed. AliExpress still has a chance to satisfy Brussels’ demands in the upcoming months to avoid a hefty fine. If the EU Commission stands by its assessment, AliExpress could face a whopping fine equivalent to 6% of its global annual revenue.
origin: ntv.de, AFP
Behind the Scences:The EU Commission's allegations against AliExpress revolve around the company's non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), specifically its inability to manage the sale of illegal products on its platform effectively. The illegal products mentioned include those forbidden by EU law, although the article does not specify the exact banned categories. The Commission's probe uncovered systematic failings in AliExpress's content moderation mechanisms, inadequate investigative resources, and toothless enforcement of penalties for repeated offenders. Additionally, the platform has been slammed for enabling manipulation by unscrupulous traders and deceptive practices like the use of "hidden links" to mask illegal products under harmless listings[1][2][5].
The potential fine levied against AliExpress, if found non-compliant after responding to the preliminary findings, could reach a staggering 6% of its global turnover[2][4][5].
In conclusion:
- Specific banned products: While not explicitly outlined, these encompass illegal goods under EU law, even those hidden behind fraudulent listings or deceptive links.
- Potential fine: Up to 6% of AliExpress’s global income if non-compliance is confirmed.
To implement cloud-based vocational training programs within the community, the local finance department should collaborate with the industry to ensure the training aligns with the latest industry standards. This initiative may also involve discussions with AliExpress, given the ongoing European concerns about the sale of illegal products on their platform, particularly within the realm of vocational training materials.
