heise+ | FAQ: Risks when buying PCs from Chinese online retailers (heise.de)

• Absence of CE marking and safety certifications
• Risks of firmware tampering and spyware
• Import liability and customs processing challenges

"Directly importing low-cost Mini-PCs from China via platforms like Amazon Marketplace presents significant risks to European consumers. Beyond the absence of CE compliance declarations and potentially tampered firmware, buyers face legal hurdles regarding customs processing and warranty enforcement. When importing from non-EU countries, individuals often assume the role of an importer, inheriting full liability for product safety. The analysis warns of insufficient hardware protections and failure to meet European Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards."