Swiss parliament tightens rules for platforms like Temu and Shein with new parcel tax

Switzerland's parliament is moving to level the playing field for domestic businesses by imposing stricter rules on major online platforms such as Temu and Shein. Mirroring actions taken by the European Union, Swiss lawmakers have voted to introduce a tax on small parcels imported from these fast-growing e-commerce giants.

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500,000 packages, often shipped at preferential rates and without real verification, arrive from China.

The National Council approved a motion, with 130 votes in favor and 51 against, proposed by Fabio Regazzi. The motion highlights that approximately 500,000 packages, often shipped with preferential rates and minimal oversight, arrive from China daily, not including undeclared shipments. Regazzi argued that this influx constitutes unfair competition for Swiss companies, which face stringent regulations.

To combat this, Regazzi proposed a reinforced control system funded by a "small contribution" levied on these incoming parcels. This move aims to prevent Switzerland from becoming a logistical hub for European parcel imports if it does not align with EU policies. Shein has already preemptively established a logistics center in Poland, an EU member, in anticipation of such measures.

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a 'small contribution' on the parcels in question.

While the Federal Council initially opposed the tax, the push from parliamentarians, including Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, has gained traction. Parmelin acknowledged that revisions, including a tax on small parcels from foreign platforms, are already underway and align with EU standards for consumer safety. A public consultation on these proposed changes is expected to launch shortly. Additionally, the parliament passed another motion requiring online platforms to clearly label products that do not meet Swiss standards.

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These revisions follow the line of the EU and ensure consumer safety.