EU customs fee targets Asian e‑commerce giants Temu and Shein

Asian online marketplaces Temu, Shein and AliExpress have captured a record 5.3 % of Germany’s online retail sales in Q2 2026, up more than 20 % year‑on‑year, driven by low‑price fashion items.

From 1 July 2026 the EU will charge a flat €3 customs fee per product group on all parcels from non‑EU countries valued under €150. The measure aims to curb price‑undercutting by cheap imports and level the playing field for European retailers. Platforms are already shifting inventory to EU warehouses, allowing many orders to avoid the fee, and logistics firms such as DHL expect only a short‑term dip in freight volumes at hubs like Leipzig/Halle.

A consumer‑safety test by the Danish watchdog Tænk found that only one of seven sunscreen products bought on Temu, Shein or AliExpress met its advertised SPF‑50 claim; three contained a hormone‑disrupting UV filter banned in the EU. Authorities advise shoppers to buy cosmetics from familiar EU brands.

Overall, industry bodies expect the new customs charge to have limited impact on the rapid growth of these platforms, while regulators continue to monitor product safety and market fairness.