UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a significant new €3 customs fee on parcels valued under €150, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. This urgent measure aims to tackle the rising tide of inexpensive imports from platforms like Shein and Temu, as EU finance ministers strive to protect local retailers and enhance customs controls.
This fee, applicable on all parcels entering the EU from non-member countries, comes in response to a staggering increase in low-cost e-commerce shipments, particularly from China. In 2024 alone, 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 entered the EU, equating to more than 145 parcels every second. This influx has overwhelmed customs authorities, leaving them unable to properly monitor safety and compliance standards, which has sparked intense frustration among European retailers.
The new customs duty will apply a flat charge of €3 per parcel. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply once; however, mixed product shipments will incur the fee for each product category, potentially leading to substantial costs for e-commerce platforms that typically split orders into multiple shipments.
EU officials have emphasized that this measure targets platforms exploiting loopholes in customs regulations, particularly those linked to unfair competition with local businesses. Retailers across the EU have long argued that these foreign platforms benefit from an uneven playing field, allowing them to sell products that often bypass critical EU safety and environmental standards.
French economy minister Roland Lescure hailed the fee as a “major victory” for the EU, framing it as a crucial step towards establishing a permanent framework for managing incoming shipments. He stated, “The introduction of a flat-rate charge on small parcels is a stopgap as the EU works to set up a more permanent framework.”
This new customs fee is expected to be a temporary measure until a comprehensive reform of the EU’s customs union is completed, with plans for additional processing fees on small parcels anticipated to roll out from November 2026. Officials have confirmed that the €3 fee will be in place until a permanent solution is implemented, which is currently projected for 2028.
As this development unfolds, consumers and retailers alike should prepare for changes in shipping costs and practices, particularly those relying heavily on foreign e-commerce platforms. The implications of this new customs fee are expected to resonate throughout the EU, reshaping the landscape of online shopping and cross-border trade.
Stay tuned for more updates as the EU finalizes its approach to tackle the challenges posed by the booming e-commerce sector.
