EU Introduces €3 Customs Fee on Small Parcels Starting July 2026

The European Union has approved a new customs fee of **€3** on parcels valued under **€150**, set to take effect on **July 1, 2026**. This measure specifically targets low-cost e-commerce platforms, including **Shein** and **Temu**, in an effort to protect local retailers and strengthen customs controls against a surge of inexpensive imports, primarily from China.

On **Friday**, EU finance ministers reached a consensus to impose this customs charge on packages entering the bloc from outside its borders. This decision follows the recent elimination of a longstanding customs duty exemption, which had allowed for a significant increase in the import of low-cost goods, particularly clothing. The elimination of this exemption is akin to the “de minimus” rule seen in the United States and aims to address the growing challenges faced by customs authorities overwhelmed by the influx of shipments.

Under the new regulations, each parcel will incur a flat charge of **€3**. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply only once. However, if a parcel contains various product categories, such as clothing and electronics, the fee will be charged for each category. This structure could lead to increased costs for platforms that typically divide orders into multiple shipments, creating additional financial burdens.

According to **European Commission** data, an estimated **4.6 billion parcels** valued at under **€150** entered the EU in **2024**, averaging more than **145 parcels every second**. This volume has more than tripled since **2022**, with approximately **91 percent** of these shipments originating from China. Local retailers have raised concerns that foreign e-commerce platforms benefit from unfair advantages, as many of these low-cost goods often bypass EU safety and consumer protection regulations. The sheer volume of incoming parcels has also complicated customs officials’ ability to intercept counterfeit or hazardous products.

Roland Lescure, the French economy minister, hailed the introduction of this customs fee as a “major victory for the European Union.” He emphasized that it serves as a temporary solution while the EU works towards establishing a more comprehensive framework to manage the billions of shipments entering the bloc. Additional processing fees for small parcels are expected to be introduced by **November 2026**, aimed at further funding enhanced customs controls.

EU officials clarified that the **€3** fee is a provisional measure, which will remain in effect until a permanent framework for taxing small parcels is established as part of a broader overhaul of the EU’s customs union, currently scheduled for **2028**. This upcoming framework will address the growing complexities of regulating international trade and safeguarding European markets.

The imposition of this customs fee signifies a pivotal shift in how the EU approaches e-commerce regulation, reflecting a commitment to creating a fairer environment for local retailers while enhancing the integrity of its customs processes.