UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a €3 customs fee on small parcels valued under €150, effective July 1, 2026. This significant move targets popular e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu to bolster local retailers and enhance customs controls amid rising complaints.
The decision, reached by EU finance ministers on Friday, aims to curb the influx of ultra-low-cost imports flooding the EU market, primarily from China. In 2024, approximately 4.6 billion parcels entered the EU, with a staggering 91 percent originating from China, overwhelming customs operations and raising safety concerns.
Under the new regulation, a flat charge of €3 will apply to each parcel under €150. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee is charged once, but for mixed product categories, the fee applies to each category. This structure could lead to significantly higher costs for platforms that split orders into multiple shipments.
French economy minister Roland Lescure hailed the fee as a “major victory for the EU,” addressing the unfair advantages overseas platforms have enjoyed. He emphasized that this measure serves as a stopgap while the EU develops a more comprehensive framework for managing incoming shipments, anticipated to be finalized by 2028.
This fee comes on the heels of the EU’s decision to eliminate a longstanding customs duty exemption, similar to the U.S. “de minimus” rule, which has exacerbated the challenges faced by local retailers. The EU aims to enforce product safety and consumer protection standards that many imported goods currently bypass, leading to increased scrutiny of these shipments.
As the EU prepares to implement this new customs fee, retailers and customs officials are bracing for the impact. The new charges are expected to be complemented by additional processing fees from November 2026 to further fund enhanced customs controls.
The urgency of this development resonates with European retailers struggling against low-cost imports. As officials work to establish a fairer trade environment, the implications of this fee could reshape online shopping dynamics across Europe. Stay tuned for further updates as the EU finalizes its plans for a permanent customs framework.
