After the ‘Weekend of the Customer’, UNIZO and Sector Federation Mode Unie are the biggest reasons for unrest among local traders. This year the unfair competition from non-European web shops, such as Shein, Temu and Amazon, is strikingly high on that list.
Number
- In 2017, 1,600 e-commerce packages were indicated at customs. Today there are more than 4 million a day, with barely 138 inspectors to check everything.
- Only 0.006% of the packages that enter Belgium would be checked by this staff shortage.
- More than half of consumers already had bad experiences with purchases through foreign web shops, ranging from poor quality, no service to even scams.
Five proposals
Unizo and Mode Unie therefore require urgent measures to make the competition between local traders and non-European web shops fairer and to protect the Belgian economy. That is why they make five proposals to Minister of Work and Economy David Clarinval and the Belgian government.
- Strengthen enforcement
Most cheap packages from non-European countries escape control. UNIZO requires more customs and inspection staff, digital enforcement via AI and European data exchange. Anyone who bypasses structural legislation must be able to be taken offline. Dropshipping must also be clearly regulated. - Hef import duties on all packages
The current exemption for packages under 150 euros must disappear. Unizo and Mode Unie support the European proposal for a tax of at least 2 euros on all non-European packages. This can contribute to the budget deficit and protect local companies. However, they argue for a higher levy to really limit the influx of cheap products. - Create a fair tax playing field
Foreign e-commerce platforms do not pay taxes in Belgium. Unizo asks a national digitaks so that profits on Belgian consumers are charged here. Because an international agreement is not in sight, Belgium must already prepare its own system. - Make a sustainable system of returns
Free return shipments cause waste and CO₂ emissions. UNIZO proposes to allow free returns only in the event of defects and to request a small contribution according to the principle “pays the polluter”. In addition, more must be invested in return technologies. - Protect the local trader and raise awareness
Foreign players must meet the same product, social and ecological standards. Consumers must be informed about the negative consequences of cheap import (such as forced labor and environmental pollution) and buying the benefits of local buying. Unizo therefore requires a broad awareness campaign.
Minister Clarinval recognizes the analysis of UNIZO and shares concern about unfair competition. He refers to an e-commerce task force that must strengthen checks and remove non-compliant products from the market. Clarinval also supports the proposal for a European tax of 2 euros per package and emphasizes the need for cooperation and political courage to protect the competitiveness of Belgian companies.
Photo: Unizo director Bart Buysse hands the report with five proposals to Minister David Clarinval.
