UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a new €3 customs fee on small parcels valued under €150, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. This urgent measure targets e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, aiming to protect local retailers and enhance customs control amid a dramatic surge in low-cost imports.
The decision was confirmed at a meeting of EU finance ministers, marking a significant shift in trade policy. The €3 fee will apply to all parcels entering the EU from non-EU countries, primarily impacting platforms that have contributed to the flood of inexpensive goods, particularly from China. Officials report that in 2024, a staggering 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 entered the EU, with 91% originating from China.
Retailers across Europe have been vocal about the unfair advantages these platforms exploit, allowing them to bypass EU safety and consumer protection standards. The surge in shipments has overwhelmed customs authorities, leading to increased complaints from local businesses.
“Introducing a flat-rate charge on small parcels is a pivotal victory for the European Union,” stated Roland Lescure, France’s economy minister. The new customs fee aims to provide immediate relief while a more comprehensive customs framework is developed.
Under the new system, each parcel will incur a flat charge of €3. If multiple identical items are sent, such as clothing, the fee will apply only once. However, if parcels contain mixed products, the charge will apply per product category, potentially leading to higher costs for platforms that split shipments to avoid fees.
This measure follows the EU’s recent decision to eliminate a longstanding customs duty exemption, which allowed numerous low-cost imports to enter without scrutiny. As the EU prepares to implement this fee, officials highlight that additional processing fees could follow starting in November 2026 to bolster customs capabilities.
The current €3 fee is viewed as a temporary solution, remaining until a permanent framework for taxing small parcels is established as part of broader reforms to the EU customs union, anticipated by 2028.
As this developing story unfolds, EU officials emphasize the necessity of these changes to maintain fair trade practices, enhance consumer protection, and ensure the integrity of the European market amidst increasing global e-commerce challenges.
For consumers and businesses alike, this new customs fee represents a significant shift in the cost of importing inexpensive goods, likely prompting a reevaluation of shopping habits and e-commerce strategies moving forward. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue as it develops.
