Rising Complaints Against Overseas E-Commerce Platforms: Challenges in Consumer Protection

The Double-Edged Sword of Cross-Border Shopping
The rapid growth of overseas e-commerce platforms has brought consumers around the world access to affordable prices and diverse product options. However, this convenience comes with significant risks. In Japan, complaints about foreign e-commerce platforms have reached record highs, according to the National Consumer Affairs Center. Issues such as misleading pricing and unintentional subscription traps have become common, highlighting the urgent need for better regulation and consumer awareness.

Controversial Practices: Misleading Pricing and Subscription Traps
Platforms like China-based Temu have come under scrutiny for their pricing practices, which often involve displaying crossed-out “manufacturer’s suggested retail prices” to exaggerate discounts. Experts argue that this approach may violate Japan’s Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, as it can mislead consumers into believing these crossed-out prices reflect past or original sale prices. Similarly, SHEIN, another popular platform, has faced criticism for employing similar tactics.

In addition to pricing controversies, certain platforms have been accused of tricking consumers into…