EU Small Parcel Fee Impacts Chinese Imports
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EU Small Parcel Fee Impacts Chinese Imports
- The European Union's new €3 fee on small parcels, implemented on July 1, 2026, has led to a significant decrease in imports from China, with one key entry point reporting a 53% drop in July 2026 compared to the previous year.
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This temporary measure, agreed upon by the Council in November 2025, aims to address concerns about unfair competition and product safety until a new EU customs data hub becomes operational in 2028.
The European Union introduced a €3 customs duty on small parcels valued under €150, effective July 1, 2026, targeting the substantial influx of low-cost goods, primarily from China. This new fee applies per product category within a consignment, rather than per parcel, meaning a package with multiple types of goods could incur several €3 charges. The measure is a temporary solution, set to remain until the EU’s new customs data hub is fully operational in 2028, at which point the €150 customs duty exemption threshold will be permanently removed.
The impact of this new levy has been immediate and noticeable. At Liege Airport in Belgium, a major hub for Chinese imports into Europe, the number of small e-commerce parcels arriving in July 2026 dropped by 53% compared to July 2025. French customs data also indicates a broader decline in small parcel imports from China, falling by 30-40% within weeks of the new measure taking effect. Major Chinese e-commerce platforms have experienced significant sales volume reductions in France during July, with Temu seeing a 50% decrease, AliExpress a 37% decline, and Shein a 15% drop.
The EU’s decision to implement this fee stems from concerns about unfair competition for European businesses, as many non-EU sellers previously bypassed customs duties. There are also consumer safety risks, with over 60% of inspected low-value products in 2025 failing to meet EU standards. In 2025, approximately 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce parcels entered the EU, with 91% originating from China. This rapid growth put considerable pressure on customs authorities and created an uneven playing field for European retailers.