Cyprus to impose €3 per‑item tax on low‑value parcels, targeting €10‑15 million annual revenue

Starting 1 July, Cyprus will charge a €3 customs duty for each product category in parcels valued under €150 that arrive from non‑EU third‑country platforms. The measure is expected to generate €10‑15 million in additional customs revenue each year, with roughly 75 % allocated to EU funds and 25 % retained by the Cypriot Treasury.

Cyprus customs officials say the workload has already risen fivefold since October 2025, as direct shipments from platforms such as Temu and Shein increased to 250,000‑350,000 low‑value parcels per month, about 90 % of which originate in China. Annual volume is projected to reach 3‑3.5 million parcels. Officials expect the number of shipments to remain around 300,000 per month after the tax takes effect. The duty is intended to level competition for EU businesses, enhance consumer safety, curb customs fraud and address environmental concerns linked to mass parcel shipments.