A nine-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, led by Anna Cavazzini, is visiting Beijing and Shanghai from March 31 to April 2.
This is the European Parliament’s first official visit to China in the past eight years. The main topics of the meetings include products entering the EU market that do not comply with standards, difficulties faced by European companies in accessing the Chinese market, and the regulation of digital trade. Alongside Chinese officials, the delegation is also meeting with representatives of Shein, Alibaba, and Temu.
According to the European Parliament, one of the main concerns is the large volume of small parcels entering the European Union from non-European online platforms, including those based in China.
Parliamentary data show that 4.6 billion small consignments entered the EU market in 2024, 91% of which came from China. The same source states that in 2025, the EU’s Safety Gate system recorded 4,671 dangerous products, of which 2,006 were of Chinese origin.
The visit is taking place against the backdrop of a major customs reform agreed on March 26 by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The reform envisages tighter controls on dangerous and non-compliant goods, the creation of a unified customs data hub, the introduction of a common fee on small parcels, and the establishment of a new EU customs authority.
According to Reuters, Brussels is placing particular emphasis on tightening the responsibilities of online platforms, as product safety and fair competition have become increasingly pressing issues within the European Union.
China’s official side has assessed the visit positively, stating that the arrival of the European Parliament delegation will strengthen bilateral relations, promote cooperation between legislative bodies, and support the stable development of ties between China and the European Union.
Author: Mariam Simsive
