AliExpress tells EU lawmakers it is improving controls over illegal listings as scrutiny of Chinese platforms grows

AliExpress executives told European Parliament lawmakers Monday that the platform is improving its controls to comply with EU regulations, including limiting default visibility of adult products, after years of pressure over sales of dangerous and counterfeit goods in the bloc. AliExpress has been under formal investigation by the European Commission since March 2024 and agreed to legally binding compliance commitments in June, but drew fresh criticism in November when Reuters found childlike sex dolls listed for sale on the platform. The scrutiny comes as low-value e-commerce parcels entering the EU jumped 26% last year to 5.8 billion shipments, with the bloc planning to introduce fees on such shipments to level the playing field for domestic retailers.