More than 67% of products from China fail to meet EU safety standards, new research finds

A recent study conducted by the European Commission has found that over 67% of products ordered from major Chinese e-commerce platforms fail to comply with European Union (EU) safety standards. More than a quarter of these items were classified as potentially dangerous, with irregularities spanning a wide array of categories including jewelry, children’s toys, and chargers. Key violations included the presence of carcinogenic chemicals in jewelry and serious overheating or fire risks in some USB chargers.

Officials warn that while low-cost, easily accessible goods can seem appealing, they often pose significant safety and quality risks. Unlike traditional imports, which are thoroughly checked at customs, most small parcels under 50 euros avoid inspection, leading to increased safety concerns. Products from countries such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia have been identified as problematic for both consumers and European manufacturers.

In response to these findings, the EU is planning to introduce stricter regulations and customs checks for all packages—including those of low value—starting July 1, 2026. Experts advise consumers to be particularly cautious with very cheap online items, emphasizing the hidden costs of low-quality products and reminding shoppers, ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch; consumers often pay the price in other ways in the long run.’