EU imposes €3 per‑item tariff on low‑value imports from AliExpress, Temu and Shein

Since 1 July, the European Union has applied a temporary customs duty of €3 for each product category in low‑value orders (under €150) shipped from outside the bloc. The measure targets shipments largely from China – about 91 % of such parcels – and aims to curb cheap imports, protect local retailers and ensure safety standards.

In Spain the charge is added to the customs value before value‑added tax, so the effective cost per item rises to roughly €3.63 ( €3 + 21 % VAT). Critics say the tax will mainly increase consumer prices without significantly shifting buying habits. Economist Santiago Niño Becerra warned, “I do not see how a €3 fee will help Chinese cosmetics meet European safety rules.”

Small businesses that rely on inexpensive Asian components face reduced margins, while large platforms may respond by expanding warehouses inside the EU to avoid the fee. The EU argues the duty levels the playing field and improves product control, but its impact on the market and on micro‑entrepreneurs remains contested.