IMCO members of the European Parliament wrestled with key divergences on 23 March 2026 regarding the oversight capacity of the AI Office under the AI Act and the efficacy of AliExpress in mitigating unsafe products on the EU market. Maria Grapini (S&D) criticized the AI Office's ability to recruit adequate staff and maintain technical credibility, calling for clear coordination with national bodies and data protection authorities to prevent fragmented governance. Conversely, the European Commission presenters, including Felicia Stoica and DG officials, advocated for enhanced digital tools and stronger EU-level coordination but conceded that implementation challenges persist.
Meanwhile, a heated exchange unfolded concerning AliExpress’s compliance with EU safety standards. Representatives from Alibaba, including Eric Pelletier and Cindy Hui, emphasized the platform's upgrades to risk-based compliance, automated detection, and increased moderation staff. However, MEPs Christel Schaldemose (S&D), Pablo Arias Echeverría (EPP), Nikola Minchev (Renew), and others demanded measurable impact and immediate results, pointing to dangerously high rates of product non-compliance—often exceeding 50%—and called for greater platform responsibility rather than relying solely on border controls.
These tensions took place during the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee meeting in the European Parliament, with Commission DG representatives presenting consultation results, enforcement data, and plans for a new European Product Act due by end-2026.
On policy detail, Felicia Stoica presented concrete proposals advocating the introduction of a digital product passport system that would enhance real-time tracking of product compliance via QR codes, potentially replacing or integrating with the existing CE mark. This initiative aims to close the enforcement gaps exposed by e-commerce but does so gradually and initially limited to products under the new legislative framework. Stoica also stressed stronger Commission powers over notified bodies and more rigorous customs cooperation, backed by interoperable digital systems and AI tools.
On the other hand, MEPs like Maria Grapini questioned how these certificates would function for online products and warned about consumer confusion and weakened quality protections if the CE mark system dissolves without clear alternatives.
Regarding AliExpress, the Commission revealed systemic non-compliance at the customs level and argued for platform-level accountability, as traditional border controls cannot keep pace with high volumes of e-commerce imports. MEPs across the political spectrum underscored the economic threat posed by unsafe imports to EU consumers and producers, with taxpayers bearing the cost of enforcement while platforms profit. AliExpress representatives provided assurances on enforcement mechanisms but acknowledged that compliance remains a work in progress amid evasion tactics by sellers.
The debate illuminated cleavages between strengthening EU integration and regulatory power—favoring robust digital enforcement and platform liability—and calls for cautious, credible supervision and clearer consumer information. Stakeholders affected include the European Commission and customs authorities (seeking stronger powers), national authorities (requiring coordination and adequate staffing), e-commerce platforms like AliExpress facing increased compliance burdens, and EU consumers vulnerable to unsafe or counterfeit products.
Looking ahead, the Commission's upcoming European Product Act and continued investigations into AliExpress’s compliance suggest a push toward bolstered EU market surveillance, enhanced digital enforcement tools, and greater accountability for third-country sellers. The IMCO committee plans further discussions, including a mission to China to deepen these conversations on cross-border e-commerce risks.
This debate thus marks a significant moment in shaping the balance between facilitating digital trade and protecting consumer safety and market fairness within the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape.