EU to impose €2 fee on all packages entering the bloc as of 1 November
A €3 fee also came into force in July, leading to a 60% drop in small parcel imports over three months. The new rules aim to counter imports from Chinese platforms, whose low prices threaten European retailers.
The European Union will introduce a €2 handling fee on all incoming packages starting November 1, 2023. This comes amidst a surge in cheap imports from China, particularly through platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. The fee, which applies to all parcels regardless of value, is in addition to the existing €3 duty on parcels under €150, which was implemented in July but is set to expire in 2028.
The new measure aims to cover the costs of customs control, as e-commerce presents a significant financial burden for EU customs authorities. The fee will be collected by EU member states and will see 75% of the revenue go to the EU budget, while the remaining 25% will be retained by individual countries. The EU's concern is underscored by the fact that 91% of shipments in 2024 came from China, creating intense competition for European retailers.
The Commission has also proposed legislation to crack down on illegal product imports, including those sold through online marketplaces, as infringements of EU rules on products remain a significant issue. In May, Temu was fined €200 million for providing dangerous baby toys and faulty chargers, and Brussels is currently investigating Shein over similar issues involving illegal products, including child-like sex dolls.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
