EU Imposes €3 Fee on Small Parcels to Curb E-Commerce Surge

UPDATE: The European Union has just announced a significant new customs fee of €3 on small parcels valued under €150, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. This urgent measure aims to rein in the explosive growth of ultra-low-cost imports from platforms like Shein and Temu, which have been overwhelming local retailers and customs authorities.

The decision was made by EU finance ministers on Friday, reflecting growing concerns over the surge in inexpensive e-commerce shipments primarily from China. In 2024, an astonishing 4.6 billion parcels under €150 entered the EU, which translates to more than 145 parcels every second. Over 91 percent of these packages originated from China, leading to calls for regulatory action.

The new €3 fee will apply to parcels arriving from all non-EU countries. However, it specifically targets platforms like Shein and Temu, which have been accused of gaining unfair advantages by bypassing EU safety and environmental standards. This measure comes shortly after the EU abolished a long-standing customs duty exemption that had facilitated the influx of cheap goods.

Roland Lescure, France’s economy minister, hailed the introduction of this fee as a “major victory for the European Union.” He emphasized that it is a crucial step toward establishing a more permanent framework for customs regulations, with additional processing fees expected to roll out by November 2026. These changes aim to enhance customs controls and curb the flow of counterfeit goods into the market.

Under the new system, each parcel will incur a flat charge of €3. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will be applied once. However, for parcels containing a mix of products, such as clothing and electronics, the fee will apply for each product category. This structure means that platforms that split orders into multiple shipments could face significantly higher costs.

The EU’s decision comes in response to mounting pressure from local retailers, who argue that overseas e-commerce platforms operate with an unfair edge, allowing them to sell low-cost goods while evading stringent EU regulations. Officials have indicated that the €3 fee will remain temporary until a comprehensive customs reform is finalized, currently projected for 2028.

As the situation develops, stakeholders in the e-commerce sector are urged to prepare for these changes. Retailers and consumers alike will need to navigate the implications of this new fee structure, which promises to reshape the landscape of online shopping within the European Union.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. This new regulatory measure marks a pivotal moment in the EU’s efforts to protect local businesses and ensure compliance with safety standards in the face of a rapidly evolving e-commerce environment.