EU imposes new customs charge on low‑value parcels from non‑EU countries

From 1 July the European Union will apply a temporary customs fee of €3 for each customs‑position in parcels valued up to €150 that are shipped from outside the bloc. The charge replaces the previous exemption for cheap shipments and is intended to curb the rapid growth of low‑price goods imported from China and other non‑EU sources.

The fee is calculated per position – a grouping of goods with the same tariff classification, description and origin – so a single package can incur more than €3 if it contains items requiring separate declarations. In 2025 the EU received about 5.9 billion low‑value positions, representing roughly 98 % of all import items, with an average value of €8.82 per position.

E‑commerce sellers will need to provide accurate HS codes and product descriptions to avoid delays and ensure correct levying. Chinese platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress increasingly use European warehouses, including in Poland, which could allow them to bypass part of the new rules for the next two years. Industry experts warn that the added cost may affect the profitability of small‑order sales and prompt changes in pricing and basket composition for consumers.