Latest news with #TEMU
Euronews
31-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
The EU's growing list of online platforms under investigation
The list of online platforms suspected of breaching the EU's rules keeps growing. The latest to join the list: Temu. The European Commission says that under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) the Chinese e-commerce platform doesn't properly assess risks arising from illegal products sold on its website, including baby toys and small electronics. 'The Commission has adopted a preliminary decision under the Digital Services Act legislation when it comes to TEMU, where we have announced to that online marketplace that according to us it is in breach of the DSA when it comes to risks on the marketplace relating to the selling and dissemination of illegal products,' Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told Euronews. "The DSA is one of our tools to protect consumers across Europe. To protect them from what, when it comes to online marketplaces? Illegal products that are sold online. Algorithmic content that is thrown at you and that you don't even determine if you want to see it or not. When it comes, for example, to advertisement or gamification of certain systems on these online platforms. These are risks that we need to mitigate. To protect our consumers online," he added. Not only Temu The probe comes amid broader concerns that some online marketplaces allow the sale of goods that would not meet EU safety or regulatory standards if sold in physical stores. So far, including Temu, the Commission has opened 14 proceedings against 10 online platforms. Each case focuses on different aspects of compliance, ranging from product safety to content moderation and the protection of minors. The ongoing proceedings include X, which has been issued with preliminary findings over its compliance with obligations concerning the 'dissemination and amplification of illegal content.' There are also ongoing procedures against Tik Tok concerning, among other things, its risk management of addictive design and harmful content. Also under the spot is the protection of minors, on which preliminary findings have been reached, and election integrity. The TikTok Lite case was closed after TikTok offered commitments. The Commission found AliExpress (AliExpress) was not taking enough measures to counter illegal products. The Chinese company finally offered commitments and the Commission issued preliminary findings on other grievences. And according to an ongoing file, Meta's services Instagram and Facebook are also under scrutiny in cases related to the protection of minors, as well as on election integrity. Finally, there is a case open for the websites Stripchat, Pornhub, XNXX, Xvideos related to the protection of minors. Consumer Groups Call for Action The wave of investigations comes amid growing pressure from consumer protection groups, who argue that the DSA must be backed by real enforcement to have meaningful impact. 'The preliminary findings of the European Commission on Temu is a positive first step for European consumers. Last year, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) launched a complaint against TEMU because they are not doing enough to protect consumers against illegal and unsafe products that can be bought through their website,' Agustín Reyna, director general of European Consumer Organisation BEUC, told Euronews. 'What is at the stake is the safety of consumers. Because when consumers buy something online, they expect it to be safe. They don't wonder whether there are illegal chemicals being used in the production of these goods, or whether a certain product or household appliance might explode, or that a kid might choke with a toy. They expect the product to be safe, regardless of how cheap it might be, but they expect it to be safe. What we have identified with our members of all the national consumer organisations -that they have conducted mystery shopping exercises, testing over these products through Temu - is that you can buy and be exposed to a significant amount of illegal products. And the company today is not doing enough to protect consumers,' he added. According to the consumer organisation, the challenge now is to try to make the law work in practise. The legislation has been in place for nearly a year and a half, but so far none of the Commission probes have been wrapped up and no sanctions have been imposed yet. But with these platforms becoming very popular with Europeans the topic is urgent. 'Just to give you an idea, every year the number of parcels that enter into the EU through TEMU doubles. So we're talking about a significant number of products that enter the EU which are not compliant. And consumers do not know about that,' concluded the Director of BEUC. France Moves to Regulate Ultra Fast Fashion The investigation into Temu also comes at a time when EU member states are stepping up efforts to rein in ultra-fast fashion — a business model many experts say fuels overconsumption, environmental harm, and the exploitation of legal grey zones. In May 2024, France proposed groundbreaking legislation targeting ultra-fast fashion platforms. The French government explicitly named companies like TEMU and Shein as examples of platforms disrupting sustainability efforts, using aggressive social media marketing and gamified shopping to encourage impulse buying and throwaway culture. While the French proposal is still under negotiation, it reflects a growing consensus that ultra fast fashion — especially when delivered through unregulated online platforms — poses not just consumer safety risks, but also serious environmental and social concerns. It seems that a European Response is needed to a global problem. The convergence of issues — from illegal product sales to environmental destruction — has prompted calls for a more unified EU response. Experts say that relying on fragmented national enforcement is no longer viable in the face of global platforms that operate across borders, largely unchecked. As the Director General of BEUC put it, 'Europe can't win this battle one country at a time.' The Digital Services Act is a start. But for many, it's just the beginning.
The South African
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs signed a player from Temu and the package hasn't arrived
New Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio Silva has caused a stir online after some lacklustre performances on the pre-season tour in the Netherlands. The 29-year-old striker was born in Guinea-Bissau and holds Portuguese citizenship. He has three caps for his country and two goals. Best Kaizer Chiefs XI next season revealed? The comments sections on articles here at The South African scarcely disappoint. One recent reader says that, by purchasing Flavio Silva, Kaizer Chiefs have got a 'striker straight off TEMU' which isn't kind but it's kinda funny. Silva didn't knock the lights out with his performances on pre-season for Chiefs, but neither did the entire team, to be fair. How long will he need to settle into the playing style in South Africa? Pitso Mosimane's son heads to Italy Ethan Chislett Nkanyiso Shinga Flavio Silva Thabiso Monyane Paseka Mako Siphesihle Ndlovu BURNT BRIDGES: The REAL reason why Kaizer Chiefs fumbled Appollis Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I brought Santorini to my boring Suffolk garden for less than £100 of Temu buys – now I've got my own holiday haven
IF you're desperate to give your garden a holiday upgrade, then you've come to the right place. One bargain hunter has proved that you can turn a dull and boring space into a holiday haven, without having to break the bank. Advertisement 4 A bargain hunter has shared how she turned her Suffolk garden into a holiday paradise Credit: Shelly Lou 4 For less than £100, Shelly Lou was able to add style to her space Credit: Shelly Lou 4 We, along with Shelly's family and friends, think her outside space looks super impressive Credit: Shelly Lou 4 She even repurposed a shower curtain as part of her backdrop Credit: Shelly Lou For less than £100, Shelly Lou, 51, who lives in Suffolk with her partner Mark and works at a local supermarket, was able to give her outside space an overhaul using bargains from Temu. Shelly was inspired by a visit to Mijas, Spain, and her dream to one day visit 'I loved the crisp white walls and those beautiful blue pots everywhere. I just wanted that vibe at home,' she explains. Determined to bring the look to life, Shelly turned to Advertisement Read more garden stories Her haul included artificial hanging plants, giant simulated plants, palm hybrid plants and artificial jasmine vines. Not only this, but she also ordered a garden hose, plant pots, pillow fillers, cushions, and even a Remarkably, she achieved the entire look for under £100, excluding the Nearly everything in her garden now comes from Advertisement Most read in Fabulous And now, her But that's not all, as family and friends have been full of compliments too, as she proudly explains: 'They can't believe how much it's My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent 'It really feels like a little holiday escape.' For those looking to do a similar refresh, Shelly advises: 'Plan the look first, then add to your basket bit by bit. It stops you from buying things you don't need. Advertisement Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. 'And if you're using a backdrop, build a frame first. Screw it to the wall and staple the material. It gives a proper finished look and it lasts.' But Shelly isn't the only one turning to Temu to unlock her creativity. I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel Shelly Lou A recent IPSOS survey commissioned by the platform shows that 1 in 3 British users say Temu helps them explore new ways to More than 80% say Temu offers good value for money, reflecting strong consumer confidence in the platform's quality and affordability. Advertisement With her clever use of Temu and a clear vision, Shelly has Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40%
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I brought Santorini to my boring Suffolk garden for less than £100 of Temu buys – now I've got my own holiday haven
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're desperate to give your garden a holiday upgrade, then you've come to the right place. One bargain hunter has proved that you can turn a dull and boring space into a holiday haven, without having to break the bank. 4 A bargain hunter has shared how she turned her Suffolk garden into a holiday paradise Credit: Shelly Lou 4 For less than £100, Shelly Lou was able to add style to her space Credit: Shelly Lou 4 We, along with Shelly's family and friends, think her outside space looks super impressive Credit: Shelly Lou 4 She even repurposed a shower curtain as part of her backdrop Credit: Shelly Lou For less than £100, Shelly Lou, 51, who lives in Suffolk with her partner Mark and works at a local supermarket, was able to give her outside space an overhaul using bargains from Temu. Shelly was inspired by a visit to Mijas, Spain, and her dream to one day visit Santorini. 'I loved the crisp white walls and those beautiful blue pots everywhere. I just wanted that vibe at home,' she explains. Determined to bring the look to life, Shelly turned to Temu, the popular online marketplace, as she says: 'I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel.' Her haul included artificial hanging plants, giant simulated plants, palm hybrid plants and artificial jasmine vines. Not only this, but she also ordered a garden hose, plant pots, pillow fillers, cushions, and even a shower curtain she repurposed as part of her backdrop. Remarkably, she achieved the entire look for under £100, excluding the sofa she already owned, as she adds: 'It was so easy to shop all in one place.' Nearly everything in her garden now comes from Temu, from the ceramic planters to the decorative accents. And now, her garden has become a favourite spot for her and Mark to relax. But that's not all, as family and friends have been full of compliments too, as she proudly explains: 'They can't believe how much it's transformed. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent 'It really feels like a little holiday escape.' For those looking to do a similar refresh, Shelly advises: 'Plan the look first, then add to your basket bit by bit. It stops you from buying things you don't need. Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. 'And if you're using a backdrop, build a frame first. Screw it to the wall and staple the material. It gives a proper finished look and it lasts.' But Shelly isn't the only one turning to Temu to unlock her creativity. I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel Shelly Lou A recent IPSOS survey commissioned by the platform shows that 1 in 3 British users say Temu helps them explore new ways to decorate their home, with respondents saving around 25%. More than 80% say Temu offers good value for money, reflecting strong consumer confidence in the platform's quality and affordability. With her clever use of Temu and a clear vision, Shelly has transformed her garden into a perfect example of how style and functionality can go hand in hand - and how a little inspiration goes a long way. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I thought I'd bagged a bargain bookshelf on Temu but I was not prepared for what turned up – I'll never shop there again
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM who thought she had bagged a stylish bookshelf from Temu was left in stitches after a picture of the item turned up instead. Mary Jane had picked the product as part of a free giveaway on the budget shopping app and believed she was getting an actual piece of furniture. 5 Mary Jane believed she was getting an actual piece of furniture when shopping on Temu Credit: Jam Press/Mary Jane 5 Little did she know she'd missed a key aspect of the item in the listing online Credit: Jam Press/Temu 5 The experience, albeit funny, has put Mary off using Temu again. Credit: Jam Press/Mary Jane But, instead of a metal frame with real shelves, she received a small, 2D-printed metal sign, which showed an image of a bookshelf. 'When I opened it, I just started laughing,' the 50-year-old told What's The Jam. 'It took me a second to realise it wasn't a real shelf at all – just a flat tin sign with a picture printed on it. 'I genuinely thought it was a mistake at first, but then I looked back at the listing and saw it did say '2D'. 'I'd just completely missed it. 'It was so funny that I immediately grabbed my phone to take a video. 'It looked so convincing in the picture – like it had depth and actual shelves. 'But when I held it up, it was thinner than a baking tray and completely useless.' Mary says she normally checks item descriptions and sizes carefully, but had been rushing through the order to beat a countdown timer on Temu's free item promotion. The mum-of-three said: 'I didn't have time to look closely. The photos made it look like an actual bookshelf – something you'd put against the wall to hold books or plants. I bought two splash pads from Temu and TikTok shop for £9.99 for my kids to compare - one of them is HUGE for the price 'It wasn't until I had it in my hands that I realised it was just a decorative sign. I wasn't angry, just shocked it was that bad.' Temu offered Mary a replacement item if she returned the tin sign. But the mum said the process was too much hassle for something she hadn't paid for in the first place. Mary, from Columbus, Ohio, said: 'It just wasn't worth it. 'I'd rather chalk it up to experience. 'They told me to post it back to get a replacement, but I thought – why am I spending time and effort returning a free tin plate I never wanted? 'It was more trouble than it was worth. 'Yes, it said '2D' and gave dimensions, but the photos were very carefully done. Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. 'They know how to make something look more than it is. 'I do think it's misleading.' Similar items from Temu – hopefully the real deal – are listed on the retail site for around £70-£80. The experience, albeit funny, has put Mary off using Temu again. She added: 'I won't be ordering from them in future; I just don't trust it anymore. 'There are some decent things on there, but it's a gamble. 'I just threw the item away. 'My advice to others is to slow down, read the full description and check the measurements. 'If you don't, you'll probably end up with something you didn't expect – and not in a good way.' Temu has been approached for comment. 5 Instead of a metal frame with real shelves, she received a small, 2D-printed metal sign Credit: Jam Press/Mary Jane
