Growth in Chinese Online Sales Challenges Authorities - Black Friday Puts Spotlight on Consumer Responsibility

The number of small parcels ordered by consumers from China will increase by well over 50 percent this year. During the Black Friday shopping frenzy, Customs and the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre emphasise that the growth of distance selling poses challenges for product safety, extended producer responsibility (EPR) and consumer protection. 

Authorities do not have the possibility to inspect every package and ensure product safety. In the photo, customs dog Hessu assists with the inspections. Photo: Finnish Customs 

Last year, 28 million online shipments worth less than EUR 150 arrived in Finland, the majority of which were from China. Customs estimates that this year the number will increase to 40–50 million shipments. Popular product groups include textiles, plastic products and electronics, with the average order value being only €6. 

Neither Customs nor other authorities can guarantee the quality or safety of cheap online goods from China. Online buyers are responsible for imports and customs declarations, and therefore also for the safety of the products. 

- Low prices may attract online shoppers. However, it is important to note that product safety cannot be guaranteed, and the authorities are not able to inspect every package. The consumer acts as the importer and is responsible for the safety of the product they order and for compliance with regulations, says Jonna Savander, Product Safety Manager at Customs. 

Who pays for the waste? 

The Pirkanmaa ELY-Centre, which monitors extended producer responsibility (EPR) nationwide in Finland, also highlights the increase in the amount of waste generated by these products.

- Foreign online retailers selling any packaged products to consumers are responsible for the waste management of the packaging in Finland. Often, the package also contains products such as electrical devices or items with batteries, for which the seller is also subject to EPR, states Tiina Vermaete, Senior Inspector overseeing distance selling at the ELY Centre. 

EPR is a legal obligation in the EU, but many foreign distance sellers are either unaware of the regulations or deliberately avoid their responsibilities. The majority of foreign online sellers have not yet fulfilled their EPR obligations in Finland. As a result, companies that do comply with their obligations end up covering the waste management costs for these non-compliant sellers. 

International cooperation in supervision 

To raise awareness among distance sellers, the ELY Centre collaborates with other Nordic and Baltic countries in supervision and communication, as well as with the Finnish Embassy in Beijing. The aim is to improve the flow of information and ensure that EPR is also fulfilled in cross-border online commerce. 

- Distance selling is not a grey area; sellers have a clear legal obligation. It is also important to remember that Finnish online stores that sell to foreign consumers are often responsible for EPR obligations in the respective country, says Vermaete. 

Choose responsible online stores 

The easiest way for consumers to ensure product safety is to favour responsible online stores that comply with EU regulations. 

In December, the ELY Centre is organising a webinar for Finnish distance sellers, covering how a Finnish seller can fulfil their EPR obligations abroad. The network of Nordic and Baltic EPR authorities will also organise a webinar for foreign distance sellers.  More detailed information and the registration links can be found on the ELY Centre's website. 

Further information: 

• Producerresponsibility.fi 
• Pirkanmaa ELY Centre: Tiina Vermaete, [email protected], tel. 0295 036 271 
• Customs: Jonna Savander, [email protected] , tel. 029 552 7150