Marketplaces in the crosshairs of NGOs

70 organisations – NGOs and businesses – are sounding the alarm about regulatory gaps surrounding marketplaces. Advocating for consumer protection, these actors are urging the European Commission to take urgent action on an issue that it has already recognised. By establishing direct links with third-party sellers located outside the EU, these platforms are putting buyers at risk – without being held accountable – and often react when it is too late. Frequent violations of the legal framework governing product safety, environmental impact and intellectual property rights have been observed. Their recommendations include requiring an identified economic operator in the EU, recognising marketplaces as such, tightening their obligations, as well as traceability and customs controls.