Today, as a consumer, you pay no duty on China packages with a value lower than approximately 1,800 Swedish kronor, there is so-called duty-free.
The Swedish government now wants to put an end to that and will seek a parliamentary majority to remove the duty-free status of the China package.
TV4 Nyheterna has previously reported on the huge amount of packages that come every month from the Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu. Swedish trade has compared the competitive situation to a marathon where “everyone has to follow the rules except for the Chinese who are allowed to use bicycles.”
– We must make it more difficult for the Chinese e-commerce companies that can send toxic goods at unreasonably low prices, straight to consumers in the EU. Therefore, we want to remove the duty-free status for these goods. That would make for better and fairer competition, says Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M).
Completely removing the duty-free status of the Chinese parcels is part of closing the loopholes that Shein and Temu found, for example, so that the competition between them and European companies becomes fairer. That would make the China goods then more expensive for the consumer.
“Important that Sweden pushes on”
Now the finance minister is hoping for a majority in the Riksdag at the same time that discussions and negotiations are already underway in the EU on the issue.
– For me, it is important that Sweden pushes to remove the customs exemption so that we get decent terms. So that less poison is shipped here, but also that in this way we help the workers who have very terrible conditions at some of these companies, says Elisabeth Svantesson.
How do other EU countries view this issue?
– Everyone is starting to see this issue as a big one, because it has grown so brutally. We like competition, we like that you can shop from different countries, but here it is not healthy. The Chinese e-commerce companies often have poor conditions for those who work – often toxic products. You also fly and release a lot of carbon dioxide. This has to be stopped and this is a step to do so.
Do you think you will be able to get a unit in the EU?
– I really hope so, I believe so. This problem is growing and needs to be taken seriously.