New levy on non-EU parcels kicks in Nov 1

The European Union will introduce a €2 handling fee starting November 1 for non-EU parcels entering the bloc, aiming to curb the influx of packages from China. This fee will be added to the existing €3 duty on small parcels valued under €150. The new levy will apply to each item in a package, regardless of its value, and will be imposed by online marketplaces such as Amazon, Chinese retailers like AliExpress, and other intermediaries.

European consumers won't bear the cost, as online platforms can pass on the higher expenses to shoppers through price increases. The fee aims to alleviate the strain on customs authorities, who are handling nearly six billion small packages annually, with 93% originating from China. Brussels claims this influx is causing rising costs for customs officials, thus justifying the handling fee.

Since July, when the €3 duty came into effect, imports have dropped by about 64%. However, officials caution that it's premature to draw definitive conclusions. Additionally, the EU is concerned about unsafe non-EU products, such as toys that may not comply with regulations, entering Europe through Chinese e-commerce platforms. The €2 handling fee is permanent, while the €3 duty on small parcels is temporary, set to expire on July 1, 2028.

After that, standard customs tariffs will apply. The EU will need to evaluate the handling fee's amount every two years to ensure it remains proportional to the cost of customs operations in the bloc.