URGENT UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a significant new measure aimed at e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. Effective from July 1, 2026, a €3 customs fee will be imposed on all parcels valued under €150 entering the EU from outside the bloc. This decision comes as a response to the overwhelming influx of low-cost imports that have been challenging European retailers.
The EU finance ministers reached this agreement on Friday, marking a decisive step to bolster customs controls and protect local businesses. In 2024 alone, 4.6 billion parcels under €150 flooded the EU market, with approximately 91 percent originating from China. The volume of these shipments has more than tripled since 2022, exacerbating the strain on customs officials and raising alarms from European retailers about unfair competition.
The new €3 fee will apply to each parcel, but there are nuances: if multiple identical items, like shirts, are shipped together, the fee applies once. However, if the parcel contains a mix of products, such as clothing and electronics, the fee will apply to each category. This structure could lead to significantly higher costs for platforms that frequently split orders into separate shipments.
Roland Lescure, the French economy minister, described this fee as a “major victory for the European Union.” He emphasized its role as a temporary measure while a more comprehensive framework for taxing small parcels is developed. Additional processing fees are expected to follow starting in November 2026, further enhancing customs operations.
This change comes on the heels of the EU’s recent decision to eliminate a long-standing customs duty exemption. The objective is clear: to level the playing field for European retailers who argue that overseas platforms exploit loopholes to sell goods that often evade EU product safety and consumer protection regulations.
The introduction of this fee is particularly significant for consumers and businesses alike, as it reflects a commitment to stricter customs enforcement and fair market practices. As the EU works toward a permanent framework for customs reform, slated for completion by 2028, the impact of these changes will be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for further developments as this situation unfolds and the EU implements these crucial measures.
