The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC), in cooperation with the European Commission, is carrying out a monitoring project to evaluate the most popular foreign online marketplaces – Temu, Shein, and AliExpress – as well as Latvia’s 220.lv. The aim is to ensure that consumers receive accurate, understandable information and that products are safe and compliant with European Union requirements.
Inspection Results
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75% of the products inspected by CRPC (a total of 84 toys, children’s goods, electrical appliances, personal protective equipment, smart products/radio devices, and jewellery) did not comply with requirements; 43% were also found to be unsafe.
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For electrical and radio devices, non-compliance was identified in 100% of cases, with 39% considered unsafe.
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In jewellery inspections, 60% of products contained cadmium, a substance harmful to human health, especially the central nervous system.
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None of the inspected products included user instructions in the Latvian language.
Thanks to CRPC’s supervision, several significant improvements have been achieved – clearer price displays, more understandable contract terms, and easier access to essential product information. At the same time, many non-compliant and unsafe products were identified and subsequently removed from sale.
Improvements on Marketplaces
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Price clarity – the lowest price within the last 30 days is now indicated more clearly.
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Less misleading information – sellers are required to remove deceptive references to recommended retail prices.
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Contact details – it is now easier to find information about platform operators.
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Terms in Latvian – when Latvia is selected as the delivery country, contract terms are available in Latvian.
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Unsafe products removed – non-compliant and unsafe items have been withdrawn, with additional safety mechanisms introduced on platforms.
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More accurate product information – clearer details on manufacturer, product identification, warnings, responsible person in the EU, etc.
Violations Identified and Still to Be Addressed
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Discount offers often fail to indicate the lowest price in the last 30 days.
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For some products, the “discount” is based on the seller’s recommended retail price or the manufacturer’s indicative price, which misleads consumers.
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Discount periods are not always visible.
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Prices shown on product pages and in shopping carts often differ, creating confusion about the final price.
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Many products lack information about the responsible person within the EU.
CRPC Recommendations for Consumers
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Check the platform operator’s contact details.
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Beware of misleading “dark patterns” and deceptive sales tricks (such as lucky wheels, countdown timers, or “flash sales”).
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Compare prices – the cart total must match the advertised price.
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Keep proof of purchase.
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Familiarise yourself with your right of withdrawal and return costs.
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Indicate your country of purchase in your platform profile – this ensures contract terms are provided in Latvian.
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Pay attention to product descriptions (intended use, manufacturer, EU responsible person, safety information, warnings).
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Be extra cautious if a price seems suspiciously low.
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Upon receiving a product, carefully inspect it before use and make sure it has proper labelling (CE marking).
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Use the product strictly according to the instructions.
⚠️ Important! If a product does not meet requirements or raises safety concerns, notify the platform, the seller, the designated responsible person in the EU, and CRPC.
CRPC will continue monitoring marketplace operations, promoting fair commercial practices and safe online shopping.