EU Implements €3 Cheap‑Import Parcel Tariff on Low‑Value Online Orders

From today, a new EU customs fee of three euros is applied to online purchases of up to €150 that are shipped from outside the Union. The charge, which must be paid by the seller, is part of a two‑year measure aimed at curbing the rapid growth of low‑value parcels, especially those originating from China, and addressing the associated “parcel flood” and unfair competition concerns.

The fee follows a sharp increase in small‑package traffic: the EU received nearly six billion low‑value parcels in 2023, up from about 4.6 billion in 2024 and just 1.4 billion in 2022. While the tariff applies to all non‑EU exporters, officials stress it is not targeted specifically at China. A broader processing charge covering all non‑EU e‑commerce orders is scheduled to start in November.

The policy is expected to influence pricing for consumers and sellers across the single market, and to encourage compliance with EU safety standards for imported goods.