Temu Bans Worldwide: Where and Why It’s Restricted

From registration failures to unsafe products, governments are tightening rules on Temu’s business model.

Temu Bans Worldwide are becoming a growing reality as the fast-rising e-commerce platform, known for its steep discounts and aggressive marketing tactics, faces mounting regulatory pushback. Earlier this week, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block the platform after receiving complaints from local sellers and trade bodies, including the Chainstore Association of Pakistan and the Pakistan Retail Business Council. Pakistan is not alone in raising alarms. From Southeast Asia to Europe, an increasing number of governments have either restricted or outright banned Temu, citing concerns ranging from predatory pricing and unfair competition to consumer protection risks and data security threats.

Indonesia

In October 2024, Indonesia became one of the first countries to move against Temu, directing Apple and Google to remove the app from local stores. Regulators argued that Temu’s below-cost pricing model and direct-to-consumer strategy posed a serious threat to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the national economy. Officials further stated that the platform was bypassing import regulations, destabilizing the local e-commerce ecosystem, and undermining fair competition.

Additionally, authorities flagged Temu’s failure to register as an electronic system operator (PSE), rendering its operations non-compliant with Indonesian law. Industry groups also warned that if Temu’s ultra-low pricing continued unchecked, many local SMEs would struggle to survive.

Vietnam

In November 2024, Vietnam joined the list of Temu Bans Worldwide when the Ministry of Industry and Trade suspended the platform’s operations for failing to meet mandatory registration requirements. Regulators criticized Temu’s aggressive promotions and commission structures, saying they created an uneven playing field for local retailers. Authorities also raised concerns over consumer protection, citing risks such as counterfeit goods and the absence of local accountability as key reasons behind the suspension.

France

In 2024, France became part of the growing wave of Temu Bans Worldwide, moving to restrict the platform’s operations after investigations by consumer watchdogs uncovered multiple violations. Authorities flagged misleading advertising, unsafe or non-compliant products, and opaque return policies as major concerns. Regulators required Temu to remove items that failed to meet European safety standards and to improve transparency around seller details and consumer rights on its app and website. Officials emphasized that any platform serving French consumers must fully adhere to EU regulations on product safety, fair advertising, and transparency—areas where Temu was found to be falling short.

United States

While the United States has not officially joined the list of Temu Bans Worldwide, the platform faces mounting scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups. A central issue is Temu’s use of the “de minimis” loophole—a trade rule allowing goods valued under 800 dollars to enter duty-free. By splitting bulk orders into thousands of small packages, Temu bypassed tariffs and customs checks, gaining a major cost advantage over domestic retailers. Critics argue that this practice exploited the system, undercutting local businesses that must pay full import duties and comply with stricter regulations.

Beyond trade practices, Temu has also come under investigation for data security and consumer privacy, with several state attorneys general questioning how the platform collects and manages user information. Reports of counterfeit and unsafe products further intensified calls for stricter oversight. Although the platform continues to operate in the U.S., lawmakers are increasingly pushing for tighter regulations to safeguard fair competition and strengthen consumer protection.

Uzbekistan

In March 2025, Uzbekistan joined the growing list of Temu Bans Worldwide, announcing that the platform would be blocked from March 20 due to its failure to register locally—a requirement under the country’s new e-commerce regulations. Authorities advised users to stop placing orders and request refunds for pending purchases.

The ban was linked to Temu’s non-compliance with multiple Uzbek laws covering e-commerce operations, retail trade, advertising, data protection, consumer rights, and intellectual property. Although Temu later registered as a legal entity and began tax registration, unresolved issues remain, particularly an estimated 46 billion soums in unpaid taxes from previous periods. Negotiations are ongoing before any lifting of the ban can be considered.

The impact was immediate: Temu’s app plunged in rankings, falling from the top spot to 35th on Google Play and dropping out of the top 50 on the App Store among Uzbek users.

South Korea

In South Korea, Temu is under regulatory scrutiny for selling toxic or unsafe products, particularly in the children’s goods category. Authorities have ordered the removal of items that exceeded safety standards, while parallel investigations into the platform’s data protection and privacy practices are also in progress.

Where Does Pakistan Stand?

Pakistan is now weighing its own restrictions on Temu. The CCP’s letter to the PTA underscores mounting frustration among local retailers, who argue that the platform’s practices are eroding domestic businesses. If the PTA follows through on the CCP’s recommendation, Pakistan could soon join the widening list of countries taking action to protect fair competition and curb market disruption.

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