However, the EU this week ended that exemption and imposed a €3 levy on low-value imports in a move to curb what it sees as unfair competition, and to keep products that do not meet the bloc's safety standards out of the European market.
"Temu and Shein often fail to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, introduce unsafe products into our market that may pose health risks, and are driving many domestic retailers to the brink of ruin," said Alexander von Preen, president of the German Retail Association (HDE).