ETIRA joins coalition calling for stronger EU rules on online marketplaces

September 18, 2025

E-commerce has transformed the way Europeans buy everything from toys to tech to printer cartridges. Yet behind the convenience of a click lies a growing risk: unsafe and non-compliant products entering the EU market without proper oversight.

Every year, billions of small parcels arrive in the EU from third countries. According to the European Commission, 4.6 billion parcels under €150 entered the EU in 2023. Many of these bypass EU safety and compliance checks, exposing consumers to unsafe products, fake labels, and goods that do not meet sustainability requirements. In the printing sector, this includes toner and ink cartridges sold online without meeting EU safety, chemical or recycling rules.

Marketplaces Escape Accountability
Under current EU law, online marketplaces are not recognised as economic operators. This means they are not legally responsible for verifying compliance of products sold by third-country sellers on their platforms. They act only if notified of violations. Existing laws, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), have not closed this gap.

Key Recommendations
To protect consumers, the environment, and fair competition, a coalition of 63 organisations – including ETIRA – calls for decisive action:

• Mandatory EU economic operator for every product sold into the EU.

• Recognition of marketplaces as economic operators responsible for third-country sales.

• Enhanced obligations for marketplaces to verify compliance, ensure traceability, and uphold Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

• Improved traceability via integration of EU databases and the Digital Product Passport.

• Stronger customs checks and the swift abolition of the €150 de minimis exemption.

• Reinforced enforcement resources for market surveillance and customs authorities.

A Call to Action
Closing these loopholes is essential to safeguard consumers, protect the environment, and ensure fair competition for businesses playing by the rules. For Europe’s remanufacturers, this is not only a question of fairness but also of sustainability: compliant, reusable cartridges should not be undercut by non-compliant imports that evade EU law.

ETIRA urges EU policymakers to act swiftly. Stronger rules will not only protect consumers but also support Europe’s circular economy and create a level playing field for responsible businesses.

Read all details and the full declaration here.