EU Implements €3 Fee on Small Parcels to Combat E-Commerce Surge

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 urgent measure targets e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, aiming to protect local retailers and enhance customs enforcement against a flood of low-cost imports.

The decision, made by EU finance ministers, comes in response to a staggering increase in inexpensive parcel shipments, with 4.6 billion parcels entering the EU in 2024 alone—over 145 every second. A significant portion of these imports, approximately 91 percent, originated in China. This influx has overwhelmed customs authorities, sparking complaints from European retailers about unfair competition and safety standards.

The new customs fee applies to all parcels from non-EU countries, but officials have explicitly noted that this policy is primarily aimed at curbing the influence of Chinese-founded platforms. Each parcel will incur a flat charge of €3; however, if multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply only once. For mixed product shipments, the fee will be assessed per product category, potentially leading to higher costs for platforms that split orders into multiple packages.

French economy minister Roland Lescure hailed the introduction of the customs fee as a “major victory for the European Union,” emphasizing its role as a temporary measure while a more permanent framework for taxing small parcels is established. This system is part of a broader reform of the EU’s customs union, with additional processing fees anticipated by November 2026 to further support enhanced customs controls.

Retailers have long argued that such overseas platforms exploit loopholes to sell goods at rock-bottom prices, effectively bypassing EU product safety and environmental regulations. The EU’s removal of the customs duty exemption, akin to the U.S. “de minimus” rule, aims to level the playing field and address these concerns.

As this situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring the upcoming changes to customs policy. The EU is slated to finalize a comprehensive framework by 2028 to better manage the billions of parcels entering the continent, ensuring that all imports adhere to EU standards and regulations.

This urgent update marks a significant shift in e-commerce dynamics within the EU, with potential ramifications for consumers and businesses alike. As the implementation date approaches, many will be watching for further developments and the impact on online shopping habits across Europe.