EU halves cheap parcel influx in bid to rein in Chinese e-commerce giants
The EU has cut the number of low-value parcels entering the region by half, following the introduction of a €3 flat fee. The measure is part of a broader effort to curb the growing dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms.
The European Union has reduced the influx of cheap parcels from China by nearly half since July 1, following the implementation of a flat €3 tax on shipments valued under €150, according to data from Dutch and Belgian customs. Belgium saw a 53% decrease in small parcels compared to the previous year, while Dutch customs reported a 46% drop in e-commerce parcels, particularly from China.
Together, the two countries account for almost half of all low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc. The EU is investigating whether companies are switching to bulk imports and storage within Europe to circumvent the levy, according to early statements from Dutch customs. Policymakers introduced the temporary levy after noting the overwhelming dominance of Chinese e-commerce in Europe, which led to an influx of billions of low-value parcels, totaling €4.6 billion in 2024 alone.
The EU aims to modernize its customs work with a single central data hub in Lille, a European Customs Authority, and more risk-based checks to protect businesses and consumers from illegal products, which already pose a significant problem. The new tax authority is expected to be operational by 2028.
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