If cross-border e-commerce platforms serve as bridges connecting global merchandise, then product testing reports represent the critical safeguard for consumer rights. Temu, the rapidly growing online marketplace, has announced a significant policy change that will impact all sellers on its platform.
Effective October 1, 2024, Temu will only accept product testing reports issued by inspection agencies specifically approved under its cross-border service marketplace program. This requirement applies to all new testing needs for products sold under both fully managed and semi-managed business models. Merchants who fail to comply risk having their testing reports rejected, potentially disrupting their sales operations.
The new policy substantially increases compliance costs for sellers. Previously, merchants enjoyed the flexibility to choose from multiple testing providers, allowing them to compare prices and services to optimize expenses. With the narrowed selection of approved agencies, sellers now face reduced bargaining power and likely higher testing fees. This change coincides with Temu's intensified random inspections of product certifications and quality checks for items already listed on the platform.
While presenting immediate challenges for sellers, industry analysts suggest the policy shift may yield long-term benefits for market standardization and product quality improvement. By centralizing testing resource management, Temu gains stronger oversight of product quality, potentially reducing consumer risks and enhancing the platform's overall credibility and competitiveness.
For merchants, the short-term cost increases might translate into long-term advantages. Higher quality standards could help businesses build stronger brand reputations and consumer trust, ultimately supporting sustainable growth in the increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.
Market observers recommend that sellers proactively adapt to these changes by establishing partnerships with Temu-approved testing agencies well before the October deadline. Simultaneously, merchants should strengthen their internal quality control processes to ensure products meet platform requirements from the initial production stages, positioning themselves for success in Temu's evolving marketplace.