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 move targets major e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu in a bid to protect local retailers and enhance customs controls.
The decision was finalized by EU finance ministers on Friday and aims to stem the surge of ultra-low-cost imports flooding into the bloc, primarily from China. In 2024, the EU saw approximately 4.6 billion parcels enter its borders, a staggering increase of over 300% since 2022, with 91% of these shipments coming from China.
This new customs fee applies universally to all parcels shipped into the EU from non-EU countries. A flat charge of €3 will be levied per parcel, reducing the loophole that has allowed inexpensive goods to bypass EU product safety and consumer protection standards. For shipments containing multiple items from different categories, the fee will be charged per category, potentially raising costs for platforms that often split orders.
EU officials stressed that this measure is crucial for addressing the overwhelming volume of low-cost goods that circumvent established regulations.
“The introduction of a flat-rate charge on small parcels is a major victory for the European Union,”
stated French Economy Minister Roland Lescure. The fee is intended as a stopgap while the EU develops a permanent framework for managing e-commerce imports, which is expected to be finalized by 2028.
Retailers across the EU have long argued that overseas e-commerce platforms benefit from an unfair advantage, resulting in significant pressure on local businesses. The EU’s decision follows weeks of discussions about the need for stricter customs measures, especially against platforms that facilitate the rapid influx of cheap goods.
This new fee is part of a broader strategy by EU authorities to bolster customs controls and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Starting in November 2026, additional processing fees for small parcels are also anticipated to further fund enhanced customs operations.
As this situation develops, businesses and consumers alike will need to prepare for the impact of these changes on shopping habits and international shipping costs. The EU’s decisive action marks a significant shift in its approach to global e-commerce, aiming to create a more equitable playing field for local retailers while ensuring that consumer safety standards are upheld.
