The European Union has fined Chinese-owned online retailer Temu €200 million for selling illegal and potentially dangerous products on its platform, including unsafe baby toys and faulty chargers, as reported by Euronews.
The European Commission said Temu failed to properly identify and assess the risks associated with products sold through its marketplace and the potential harm they could pose to consumers. The company has been under investigation since October 2024 over compliance with obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act as a designated Very Large Online Platform.
As part of the investigation, an independent testing organization conducted mystery shopping exercises and found that many chargers purchased through Temu failed basic electrical safety standards. The review also found that some baby toys contained chemicals above legal limits or included small detachable parts that could create suffocation hazards.
In addition to the fine, Temu must submit an action plan addressing the identified issues by Aug. 28. The European Commission will then review whether the company has taken sufficient measures to comply with EU requirements.
Temu said it disagreed with the decision and described the penalty as disproportionate. The company stated that the findings relate to conditions in 2024 and do not reflect its current systems.
