Czech Republic sees drop in low-value imports following new EU tax rules

Low-value imports into the Czech Republic from non-EU countries saw a sharp decline in July 2026 following the implementation of new European Union tax regulations. According to the Czech Customs Administration, the number of imported shipments dropped to approximately 1.08 million in July, down from 2.22 million in June.

The decline follows an EU regulation that took effect on July 1, which ended customs tax exemptions for shipments valued under 150 euros and introduced a fixed 3-euro tax per item. This policy change significantly impacts low-cost orders from e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein.

While the reduction in volume is evident, industry experts note it may be too early to determine if this is a long-term trend, as summer holidays often cause a seasonal slowdown in shopping. Representatives from the Czech E-commerce Association (APEK) noted that consumers are already feeling the increased costs of goods from China, though it remains unclear if this will drive a permanent shift toward local European retailers.