UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a significant new customs fee aimed at curbing the influx of low-cost imports, particularly from platforms like Shein and Temu. Starting July 1, 2026, a €3 customs fee will be imposed on parcels valued under €150 entering the EU, a move designed to protect local retailers and enhance customs controls.
This urgent measure comes as EU finance ministers confirmed their decision on Friday. The fee targets a growing tide of ultra-low-cost e-commerce imports, primarily from China. In 2024, approximately 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 flooded into the EU, an alarming rate of more than 145 per second. This volume has tripled since 2022, overwhelming customs authorities and raising concerns from European retailers about unfair competition.
The introduction of the fee is a reaction to the EU’s recent decision to eliminate a longstanding customs duty exemption that allowed inexpensive goods to enter the bloc without tariffs. This loophole has been linked to a dramatic rise in shipments of low-cost clothing and goods, many from China, that often bypass essential EU product safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards.
Under the new system, each incoming parcel will incur a flat charge of €3. For shipments containing multiple identical items, the fee will apply once, while mixed product categories will incur charges for each category. This means that platforms often splitting orders could face considerably higher costs.
French Economy Minister Roland Lescure hailed the decision, calling it a “major victory for the European Union.” He emphasized that this fee is a crucial step as the EU works toward establishing a more permanent framework to manage billions of incoming shipments more effectively.
Officials stressed that the €3 fee is a temporary solution until a more comprehensive customs reform is enacted, which is currently projected for 2028. Additional processing fees may follow from November 2026 to further fund enhanced customs controls.
As this situation develops, retailers across the EU are expected to closely monitor the impact on their businesses and the resulting changes in consumer behavior. The urgency of this new fee highlights the EU’s commitment to leveling the playing field for local businesses against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as the European Union rolls out this significant change in customs policy.
