EU imposes €3 per‑item e‑commerce duty on low‑value parcels from China, US and UK

From 1 July the European Union, including Greece, will apply a special import duty of €3 for each distinct product shipped in parcels valued up to €150 from third‑country sellers such as China, the United States and the United Kingdom. The charge is calculated per item, not per parcel, so a box containing three different items will incur €9 in duty. The measure is transitional and will remain in force until 30 June 2028, after which normal tariff rates based on product classification will apply.

The duty does not replace existing VAT rules; VAT continues to be charged as usual. The duty must be paid by the platform, seller, carrier or their authorized representatives. The fee is not refunded on simple consumer returns, though refunds are possible for defective goods under customs regulations.

The policy targets the surge of cheap “micro‑parcels” from fast‑fashion and marketplace platforms like Temu and Shein, which have grown to a €5.88 trillion market in 2025, with 80 % of the value originating from China. Officials argue the duty will curb unfair competition, reduce fraud, protect consumer safety and address environmental concerns linked to high‑volume low‑value shipments.