EU INTRODUCES €3 CUSTOMS CHARGE ON SMALL PARCELS FROM CHINA

The European Commission has introduced a €3 customs charge on parcels valued under €150 from Wednesday, eliminating a "de minimis" tariff exemption that previously allowed duty-free imports of small goods. The change targets cheap imports from Chinese e-commerce platforms including Shein and Temu. Commission officials stated the measure aims to prevent what they described as the "desertification" of Europe's high streets and to protect local retailers and employment.

According to official figures cited by the Commission, low-value parcels entering the European Union increased from 1.3 billion in 2022 to 5.9 billion in 2025, with approximately 90 per cent originating from China. EU research disclosed on Monday found that 60 per cent of online products imported from outside the bloc failed to meet European safety standards. Cosmetics and toys raised particular concerns, with 65 per cent of imports in both categories non-compliant with EU regulations, whilst 63 per cent of imported food supplements and 60 per cent of imported personal protective equipment also failed safety tests. Michael McGrath, EU justice commissioner, expressed concern about the dangers posed by items entering the Union through the de minimis exemption.

Civil society groups have previously warned that rapid growth in cheap imports was threatening European retailers and forcing businesses to close. The EU fined Temu €200 million last month for failing to prevent sales of illegal and dangerous products on its platform. Commission officials stated the customs charge represents part of broader efforts to address competition from low-cost foreign e-commerce platforms and to support traditional retail sectors across member states.