European Union customs changes impact e-commerce shopping habits

New European Union customs regulations, effective July 1, 2026, have altered consumer behavior on major e-commerce platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and Shein. Under the new rules, shipments from outside the EU valued up to 150 euros are subject to a transitional duty of 3 euros for each distinct tariff category included in the package. This replaces previous exemptions and adds to the VAT requirements implemented in 2021.

Data from the whenUbuy application indicates a shift in shopping patterns: consumers are purchasing fewer individual items but selecting more expensive products to offset the per-category fees. On Temu, the average number of items per basket dropped by half to 2.8, while the average value per product rose by 50 percent. On AliExpress, the average number of items fell to 1.1, though the total basket value nearly doubled.

In the broader logistics sector, companies like DHL Express are adapting to increased export and import complexities. As Polish exports grew to 414.4 billion dollars in 2025, logistics providers are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence and digital tools to manage customs documentation, tariff codes, and the administrative burdens associated with non-EU trade.