EU imposes minimum €3 customs fee on low‑value parcels from China

Effective today, the European Union introduced a customs charge of at least €3 for every parcel valued under €150 that arrives from non‑EU countries. The fee is applied per product category, so a single order containing different items—such as a T‑shirt and socks—will be charged twice, while two identical T‑shirts are charged once. The measure targets cheap online imports from platforms such as Temu and Shein, whose shipments to Finland numbered about 40 million last year, 98 % of them originating in China. The fee aims to curb the rapid growth of low‑value parcels, reduce environmental impact, and address concerns about hazardous substances in imported goods. It will remain in force until 2028, after which the existing exemption for parcels under €150 will end. Denmark will apply the same minimum €3 charge (approximately 22 DKK) under the new EU rules, meaning Danish consumers will also see higher prices for purchases from the same Chinese web‑shops.

The regulation also requires online retailers with an IOSS registration number to handle customs clearance on behalf of buyers, while smaller sellers may need to pay the fees themselves via the customs authority’s online service. A further processing charge for all non‑EU online purchases, regardless of value, is slated for introduction in November.