Germany’s Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) has launched an antitrust investigation into Temu, examining whether the e-commerce marketplace restricts seller pricing freedom on its German site and across other sales channels.
The probe, announced in October 2025, targets Temu’s European operator, Whaleco Technology Limited in Dublin, and will assess claims that the platform sets or limits final selling prices—an issue that could affect competition and consumer prices.
Focus on pricing restrictions and seller freedom
The Bundeskartellamt is reviewing Temu’s terms and conditions amid suspicion that merchants face “inadmissible requirements” on how they price goods on the platform and elsewhere.
President Andreas Mundt said such constraints could significantly impair competition and risk raising prices beyond Temu’s marketplace.
The central question for the antitrust investigation is whether any platform pricing rules amount to unlawful control over sellers’ retail prices, a practice often referred to as price parity or most-favoured-nation style restrictions.
Complaint from retailers triggers formal probe
The case stems from an April 2025 complaint by Germany’s retailers’ trade association (HDE), which alleged that Temu caps merchant prices—claiming sellers were told not to exceed 85% of prices listed on other platforms.
If confirmed, such limits could deter normal price setting and undermine rivals in Germany’s e-commerce market.
Investigators will consider how any alleged price caps may influence competition between online marketplaces, independent webshops and high-street retailers, including during promotions and peak retail periods.
Temu response and wider EU scrutiny
Temu stated it complies with applicable laws and is confident any concerns can be resolved.
The antitrust probe arrives alongside broader European scrutiny: the European Commission is separately assessing Temu under the Digital Services Act (DSA) in relation to illegal products and consumer protection.
Outcomes from the German antitrust investigation and the EU DSA process will shape how major online marketplaces operate, with implications for seller pricing, platform terms and shopper choice across the bloc.
