UPDATE: The European Union has just approved a €3 customs fee on small parcels valued under €150, a move set to take effect on July 1, 2026. This significant development targets e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, aiming to protect local retailers and tighten customs controls.
This urgent measure was confirmed by EU finance ministers on Friday, as they strive to curb the overwhelming influx of low-cost imports into the bloc. The new customs duty comes in the wake of the EU’s recent decision to eliminate a longstanding customs duty exemption, which has led to a dramatic rise in shipments from platforms primarily based in China. Last year alone, data reveals that 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 entered the EU, averaging more than 145 every second.
The €3 charge will apply to all parcels coming from non-EU countries. However, it will specifically target platforms like Shein and Temu that have proliferated in the European market, allowing them to undercut local businesses by bypassing EU product safety and consumer protection regulations. French economy minister Roland Lescure stated, “The introduction of a flat-rate charge on small parcels is a major victory for the European Union,” emphasizing the urgency of this decision to protect local industries.
Under the new system, each parcel will incur a flat fee of €3. Notably, if multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply once. However, shipments containing various product categories will be charged per category, significantly impacting platforms that often split orders into multiple shipments.
Retailers across the EU have long argued that these overseas e-commerce platforms operate under unfair conditions, contributing to a flood of low-cost goods that can undermine local businesses. The EU Commission indicates that about 91 percent of these parcels originate from China, which has raised concerns about counterfeit and potentially dangerous products entering the market. The surge in small parcels has overwhelmed customs authorities, leading to intensified calls for reform.
As part of the EU’s broader strategy, officials have indicated that additional processing fees may follow in November 2026 to further enhance customs controls. The €3 fee is positioned as a temporary measure until a more permanent framework is established, with comprehensive reforms to the EU’s customs union anticipated by 2028.
This urgent update signifies a pivotal shift in how the EU manages e-commerce imports, directly affecting consumers and businesses alike. As the EU implements these changes, all eyes will be on the impact it has on the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape and the response from major players like Shein and Temu. Keep watching for further developments as the situation unfolds.
