URGENT UPDATE: The European Union has just approved a €3 customs fee on parcels valued under €150, targeting platforms like Shein and Temu. This significant measure, confirmed by EU finance ministers on Friday, will take effect on July 1, 2026, as part of a strategy to protect local retailers and enhance customs controls.
This decision comes in response to the overwhelming influx of low-cost imports, primarily from China, that has flooded EU markets. Data shows that 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 entered the EU last year, an astonishing rate of more than 145 parcels every second. Authorities report that approximately 91 percent of these shipments originated from China, raising concerns about product safety and regulatory compliance.
The new customs fee applies to all non-EU parcels, but officials emphasized that it specifically targets low-cost e-commerce platforms, aiming to level the playing field for European retailers who argue that these platforms exploit loopholes, allowing them to bypass EU product safety and environmental standards.
Under the new regulations, the €3 fee will be charged per parcel. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply only once. However, for mixed shipments, such as multiple clothing items and electronics, the fee will apply to each product category, potentially leading to higher costs for platforms that split orders into multiple shipments.
French economy minister Roland Lescure hailed the approval as a “major victory for the European Union,” stating that this fee acts as a temporary measure while the EU works to establish a more comprehensive framework for managing the increasing volume of small parcels. He noted that additional processing fees are expected to be introduced by November 2026 to fund enhanced customs controls.
This move marks a critical shift in EU customs policy, which previously allowed a customs duty exemption for small parcels, similar to the “de minimus” rule in the United States. The change aims to tackle the surge in shipments that has garnered complaints from local retailers, who claim that they are at a disadvantage against foreign platforms selling goods at unsustainable prices.
The EU’s decision to eliminate the customs exemption comes as part of a broader reform initiative targeting the customs union, with a permanent framework expected to be finalized by 2028. Until then, the €3 fee will remain in place, reflecting the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its market and ensuring compliance with safety and consumer protection standards.
As the clock counts down to the implementation date, retailers and consumers alike are advised to brace for changes in how small parcels are taxed and processed within the EU. The implications of this fee could reshape e-commerce dynamics across the continent, making it a crucial development for both businesses and shoppers.
Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the impact of this new customs fee on the e-commerce landscape in Europe.
