The surge in Chinese online parcels has sparked growing concern in Belgium, with the Centrale Raad voor het Bedrijfsleven (CRB) urging the government to take swift action. The influx of cheap packages from platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress poses risks to both the local economy and public health.
- CRB wil Chinese onlinepakjes aan banden leggen
- CRB roept regering-De Wever op actie
- Toename Chinese pakjes verdrievoudigd in 2024
- E-commerceplatformen Shein, Temu, AliExpress genoemd
- Pakjes vormen gevaar voor economie en gezondheid
- Aantal Chinese pakjes stijgt naar 3 miljoen
On 2025-07-09 21:45:00, reports highlighted that the number of declared parcels from China tripled in 2024, rising from 1 million to 3 million. This dramatic increase has alarmed Belgian trade unions and employers alike, who see it as a threat to domestic businesses and consumer safety.
How should Belgium balance the benefits of e-commerce with protecting its economy and health standards? The CRB’s call for restrictions points to a broader debate on regulating global online trade. Below is a concise summary of the situation’s impact on Belgium.
What are the key challenges behind this surge? The rapid growth of Chinese e-commerce parcels raises several issues:
- Local retailers struggle to compete with low-cost imports flooding the market.
- Quality and safety of goods are harder to monitor, increasing health concerns.
- Customs and tax enforcement face pressure from the volume of small parcels.
- Consumer trust may erode if product standards are inconsistent.
Looking ahead, Belgium’s government will need to craft balanced policies that curb the risks of cheap Chinese imports without stifling digital trade growth. Will new regulations safeguard the economy and health, or will they reshape the local e-commerce landscape entirely?