What: From July 2026, all parcels under 150 euros shipped into the EU from non-EU countries will incur a 3-euro fee, primarily affecting Chinese e-commerce giants.

Why it is important: This measure reflects ongoing efforts to address unfair competition from low-cost imports, reinforcing regulatory trends seen throughout the past year.

The European Union has approved a 3-euro customs fee on all parcels valued under 150 euros entering the bloc from outside countries, a move that will take effect in July 2026. This policy specifically targets the surge of low-cost shipments from Chinese-founded platforms such as Shein and Temu, whose direct-to-consumer models have flooded the EU market with inexpensive goods. The fee is designed to address the imbalance faced by domestic retailers, who have long argued that these imports benefit from unfair advantages and often bypass EU safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards. The new charge will apply per parcel, regardless of retailer, and is expected to significantly increase costs for platforms that split orders into multiple shipments. The measure follows the recent removal of a longstanding customs exemption and is intended as a temporary solution until a more comprehensive customs framework is established by 2028. By introducing this fee, the EU aims to protect its single market, enhance consumer safety, and restore competitive fairness for European retailers.

IADS Notes: The EU’s introduction of a 3-euro fee on small parcels builds on a series of regulatory actions throughout 2025, including the €2 handling fee in May 2025 (Inside Retail), reforms making e-commerce platforms liable for unsafe goods in February 2025 (Financial Times), and mounting pressure from eight European countries in December 2025 (Le Monde). These measures, set against the backdrop of broader trade disputes and digital disruption highlighted in August 2025 (GDI), reflect a coordinated strategy to address the dominance of platforms like Shein and Temu, protect local retailers, and enforce higher standards for consumer protection and market compliance.

EU approves 3-Euro fee on small parcels, targeting Shein and Temu