EU Introduces €3 Customs Fee on Small Parcels to Curb Cheap Chinese Imports

BRUSSELS, July 1: The European Union has introduced a €3 customs charge on small parcels in a move aimed at reducing the flood of low-cost imports, particularly from China, and protecting struggling European retailers.

The new fee applies to packages valued below €150 that previously entered the bloc without customs charges under the "de minimis" exemption.

EU officials said the measure is intended to slow the rapid growth of low-value shipments, with the number of such parcels entering the bloc rising from 1.3 billion in 2022 to 5.9 billion in 2025. Around 90% of the shipments are estimated to originate from China, with online platforms such as Shein and Temu facing increasing scrutiny.

A European Commission official said the surge in cheap imports had contributed to the decline of traditional retail, warning that the trend was accelerating the "desertification" of city centers by harming local businesses and jobs.

Consumer groups have also warned that European markets are being overwhelmed by inexpensive goods from third-country e-commerce platforms, potentially threatening domestic businesses.

The EU said safety concerns were another major reason behind the new rules. Research released by EU regulators found that 60% of online products imported from outside the bloc failed to comply with European regulations.

Cosmetics and toys were among the categories with the highest failure rates, with 65% of products in both categories found to be non-compliant. Food supplements and personal protective equipment also raised concerns, with significant numbers failing health and safety standards.

The move follows increased regulatory pressure on online marketplaces. Last month, EU regulators fined Chinese e-commerce platform Temu €200 million over failures related to preventing the sale of illegal and dangerous products.

The European Commission said the new customs charge is part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition, improve consumer protection and support European businesses.