EU imposes €3 duty on low‑value online parcels from non‑EU sellers

From 1 July 2026 the European Union will replace the de‑minimis exemption for packages worth up to €150 with a temporary €3 charge per item on shipments arriving from third‑country e‑commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. The fee is calculated per tariff line – identical items count as one charge, while different product categories add additional €3 per line. The measure is intended to level competition between EU retailers and overseas sellers, improve consumer safety, curb customs fraud and reduce the environmental impact of mass low‑value shipments. It will remain in force until 1 July 2028, after which a broader customs reform is expected. The rule applies to all EU member states, but countries that have not yet aligned national legislation – for example Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and others – are currently exempt. EU officials note that millions of low‑value parcels enter the single market each day, prompting the new tariff to protect domestic businesses and consumers.