German mattress manufacturers have urged Economics Minister Robert Habeck to take action against online platforms such as Temu and Shein, which they claim undermine fair competition and pose health risks to consumers. In an open letter, the mattress industry association called for "clear and reliable structures" to regulate these platforms and prevent "harmful dumping".
Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Robert Habeck. Photo: BMWK/Dominik Butzmann.
The association argues that German companies must comply with strict safety and quality standards, while online sellers offer products at significantly lower prices that may not meet European safety regulations. This creates "significant competitive disadvantages" and "endangers the health of consumers".
Key demands in the letter include consistent market monitoring, enforcement of EU safety standards, and enhanced digital tracking of imported products. The association also calls for a "Digital Product Passport" to ensure transparency in product origin, content, and recyclability. Stricter customs regulations and cross-border cooperation with Chinese authorities are also proposed to prevent low-quality goods from entering the European market.
Abolishing the €150 duty-free import threshold is another priority, as the association claims Chinese suppliers exploit this rule to sell mattresses at "dumping prices" up to 45% below comparable domestic products. Consumer education campaigns are also recommended to raise awareness about safety risks and misleading advertising from certain online sellers.
The letter stresses the importance of enforcing the Digital Services Act to remove counterfeit products from platforms and strengthen market surveillance. The mattress industry urges policymakers to act swiftly to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the sector.
Source: www.moebelmarkt.de