The EU is planning a new parcel fee of two euros for direct imports from China. The proposal is particularly aimed at online retailers such as Temu and Shein. At the same time, the customs exemption for packages should be lost under 150 euros.
EU is planning a new fee for packages with low value
It is primarily about small direct imports that are to be occupied with a new fee. The Report the BBC. The European Union is now planning to introduce a new fee of two euros for importing packages with a value of less than 150 euros. This regulation primarily affects e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu. The ideas were leaked a few weeks ago.
The proposal stipulates that no more duty is granted for these programs in the future. Last year, 4.6 billion packages of low value were sent in the EU, which corresponds to more than a doubling compared to 2023. A good 91 percent of these programs come from China and customs have neither access to goods tests, nor, especially by direct shipping to the buyers, the customs deserves.
Topic competitiveness
The favorable offer from abroad not only endangers the competitiveness of European dealers who have to comply with all regulations, but also has a negative impact on the environment and climate, according to the explanation of the EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The new fee proposal provides for a differentiated but simple structure: A fee of two euros is charged for direct consumer sales, while shipments on goods stores within the EU are to be loaded with only 50 cents.
According to the EU Commission, the increase in direct imports from China requires “urgent attention”, especially in view of the risks due to potentially dangerous or fake products. Infographic: Every fourth has already bought from Temu
Problem with security and quality
Consumers should be aware of the security standards because a study by the European Commission in 2024 showed that around 65 percent of the tested products of non-European providers violate EU regulations. There is also numerous criticism of the dealers such as Temu and Shein.
