European Union implements new customs fees on Chinese e-commerce imports

New European Union customs regulations, effective July 1, 2026, have significantly impacted low-value imports from China. The EU has abolished the previous customs exemption for goods valued up to 150 euros, replacing it with a flat fee of 3 euros per customs item category. This change targets high-volume e-commerce platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and Shein.

Data indicates a sharp decline in small parcel shipments following the implementation. In the Czech Republic, customs declarations dropped from over 10 million in June to just a few million in July. Similarly, French customs reported a 30% to 40% decrease in small shipments, with Temu seeing sales volumes drop by half between June and July.

To mitigate these costs, many Chinese retailers are shifting their logistics strategies. Instead of shipping individual orders directly from China, companies are increasingly utilizing warehouses located within the EU. Goods moved in bulk to European warehouses undergo standard customs procedures, allowing them to be delivered to customers without incurring the per-item 3-euro fee at the point of delivery.

Additionally, individual member states are introducing further measures. France has implemented ecological fees targeting ultra-fast fashion, which could reach up to 12 euros per item, specifically aimed at the business models of Shein and Temu.