As part of the DSA, the European Commission has opened an investigation into AliExpress, regarding the sale of illegal products, and more particularly fake medicines. The e-commerce giant risks a heavy fine…
AliExpress has become one of the essential e-commerce platforms in France – and in the world! –, with its goods shipped from China at unbeatable prices and its recurring commercial operations, even if delivery times are generally quite long. However, consumers are not immune to unpleasant surprises, such as products not conforming to their description and sometimes of questionable quality. Not to mention that buying from a Chinese brand completely unknown to the battalion can put off more than one person! The fact remains that AliExpress is part of the VLOPs (for very large online platforms, i.e. very large online platforms) in the sights of Europe (see our article) within the framework of the DSA (Digital Services Act). Also, the European Commission announced on Monday November 6 that it had opened an investigation on the practices of the Chinese platform, on the grounds of an alleged distribution of illegal products, and in particular fake medicines, and orders it to detail the measures taken to protect consumers.
Indeed, in recent years there has been an increase in the illegal sale of medicines within the European Union, as evidenced by a joint report from Europol and the EU Intellectual Property Office. . The majority of counterfeit pharmaceuticals are now distributed online and can be deadly…
AliExpress: the Chinese giant is in trouble with the DSA
The European Union has sent a formal request for information to AliExpress to learn more about all the risk assessment and mitigation measures put in place by the Chinese giant to combat the spread of illegal products online, especially fake medicines. The approach is part of the broader framework of regulating online platforms to ensure consumer safety. Note in passing that Brussels had already opened three investigations in October targeting the social networks TikTok, “fake news“, images and violent words, after Hamas attacks against Israel. However, this survey is the first targeting online commerce under the new European legislation on digital services..
The DSA “is not limited to hate speech, disinformation and cyberbullying. It also aims to ensure the removal of illegal or dangerous products sold in the EU via e-commerce platforms“, declared the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton. “It also aims to ensure the removal of illegal or dangerous products sold in the EU through e-commerce platforms, including the growing number of fake medicines and potentially deadly pharmaceuticals.”
The request for information sent to AliExpress by the European Commission does not currently constitute an indictment, the company having until November 27, 2023 to comply and provide the requested information, failing which it will be punished ! Based on the evaluation of the responses, the Commission will determine the next steps. If the assessment is poor, it may apply a fine of up to 6% of the company’s global turnover, and even take additional measures, including the imposition of penalty payments, in the event of non-compliance. meeting deadlines, for example.