The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into AliExpress. A well-known trading platform is suspected of ensuring the sale of illegal goods, such as "limestone" medicines. As a result, AliExpress can expect a large fine - up to 6% of the company's global annual turnover, i.e. up to approximately $180 million.
The investigation was launched by the European Commission (EC) on March 14, Reuters reports. AliExpress will be checked for the distribution of potentially illegal and pornographic materials.
It is noted that the EC representatives are concerned about the potential distribution of illegal products, such as counterfeit medicines, substandard food products and ineffective nutritional supplements on AliExpress, and the lack of effective measures to combat them. It also examines possible hidden links through which non-compliant products can be sold in a way that is not transparent to users.
According to the recently adopted EU law on digital services, AliExpress belongs to the category of "very large platforms". Such technology companies, as prescribed by law, must make special efforts to combat illegal and harmful content on their sites.
"At this stage, we have not yet discovered that AliExpress does not comply with the requirements. We simply suspect that we have elements that it does not comply with. This is not a finding of a violation," said one of the officials of the European Commission.
If AliExpress is found guilty of violations, the retail giant faces a fine of up to 6% of global annual turnover. Given that the company's global turnover exceeds $3 billion, the fine may reach or even exceed $180-190 million.
However, so far AliExpress assures that it follows the rules in all markets where it operates. "We have worked and will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that we are meeting acceptable standards and will continue to ensure that we can comply," the company said.
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