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Comment by GJim

3 hours ago

> Are you suggesting opening every package to check for a CE?

In the old days, when an importer purchased Chinese goods in bulk and resold them, import checks were commonplace.... AND the importer was legally responsible for paying import duties and selling goods to the public that were legal and met safety standards.

Now that any individual can order direct from China (with cheap subsidised postage!), the floodgates of untaxed and dangerous shite are open.

One solution is to address the subsidised postage that makes this state of affairs possible.

Require the recipient affirm the package meets all legal requirements, and personally assume liability for any violation.

  • That’s unworkable: asking a recipient unfamiliar with producers to know whether producer is reputable or not in advance and if the producer is unscrupulous you expect every affected buyer to follow up or be in violation of importation laws?

    • If you are not sure, buy from within the EU from an importer who deals with this.

      The old system of spot inspections worked because most import volume was from known, repeat importers.

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