The European Commission will introduce a customs levy on low-value parcels in an effort to curb the influx of low-cost imports from China. Under the current ‘de minimis’ exemption, consumers have been able to purchase goods worth up to €150 (£129)—including fast fashion, cosmetics, and toys—without incurring customs duties, due to a threshold that exempts very small-value shipments.
Starting Wednesday, parcels below the threshold will be subject to a new €3 customs fee, with officials aiming to phase out the de minimis rule in order to slow the sharp increase in imports from China.
On Monday, the European Commission stated that the volume of low-value parcels entering the bloc has more than quadrupled, rising from 1.3 billion in 2022 to 5.9 billion in 2025. It added that approximately 90% of these shipments originate from China, with competition from online platforms such as Shein and Temu placing significant pressure on European retailers.
Civil society consumer organizations warned last year that the EU was facing a surge of inexpensive imports from Temu, Shein, and other non-EU e-commerce platforms. They argued that this influx posed a serious threat to the European economy.
The EU justice commissioner, Michael McGrath, has also voiced concern over the risks posed by certain goods entering the bloc. Research released by the EU on Monday found that 60% of online products imported from outside the bloc do not comply with EU regulations, raising potential safety risks for consumers.
Cosmetics and toys were identified as hazardous, with 65% of imports in both categories failing to meet EU safety standards. Non-EU food supplements also presented significant risks, as 63% of tested products did not pass stringent health and public safety requirements. In addition, professional personal protective equipment—including hard hats and reinforced footwear—was flagged as high-risk, with 60% of such imports found to be non-compliant.
Separately, EU regulators last month imposed a €200 million fine on Temu for failing to prevent the sale of illegal and unsafe products.
EU officials expect the new €3 levy on low-value parcels to discourage unnecessary purchases and remove the de minimis exemption, compelling non-EU retailers to file customs declarations for all shipments. The measure is intended to restore fair competition for Europe’s small businesses.
Shein has already begun adjusting its operations. In December, it launched a large distribution hub in Poland, potentially enabling it to bypass the new tax.
The customs charge will also apply in Northern Ireland under Brexit rules, with revenue directed to the UK Treasury. Meanwhile, the UK Treasury confirmed it will impose duties on parcels under £135 starting October 2028, moving the date forward from March 2029 but still later than retailers had sought.
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