Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen has ruled out creating a new EU agency to oversee product safety on large online platforms, instead arguing that existing frameworks and coordinated enforcement can address the sale of risky goods. The answer, published on 26 June 2026, responds to a written question from MEP Jan Farský (PPE), who had raised concerns about platforms like Shein offering potentially illegal products such as child-resembling sex dolls and weapons, as well as using addictive design features. Virkkunen's response signals a preference for strengthening current mechanisms rather than building new institutions, a choice that impacts platform compliance costs and national enforcement burdens.
Virkkunen pointed to ongoing enforcement actions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), noting that the Commission has opened formal investigations into Temu and Shein focusing on risk assessments for illegal products and addictive design. She also highlighted the Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable e-commerce, a communication aimed at coordinating customs and safety controls across member states. On future measures, she announced that from July 2028, platforms intermediating sales of third-country goods to EU consumers will be required to report all sales to customs authorities, enabling EU-level risk analysis. Additionally, in 2026 the Commission will propose a revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation as part of a European Product Act, closing loopholes to ensure each product placed in the EU has an EU-based economic operator responsible for supply chain monitoring. The answer provides concrete deadlines and legislative steps, but offers no new numerical targets or dedicated enforcement body, leaving the burden on existing authorities and the platforms themselves.