EU to Charge Customs on Small Packages from China Starting July 2026

The European Union Council approved new customs rules that will take effect on 1 July 2026. The exemption for parcels valued up to €150 will end and a temporary fee of €3 per product category will be applied to small shipments from non‑EU countries, chiefly China, which accounted for 91 % of the 4.6 billion parcels received in 2024.

The measure, which will remain in place until 1 July 2028, aims to level the playing field for EU retailers, curb undervaluation and parcel‑splitting tactics, and address product safety concerns. Fees will be calculated separately for each tariff category in a parcel; for example, a shipment containing shirts and a phone case would incur €6. The revenue will be shared between the EU and member states, with a new digital customs centre slated to start operations in 2028.

Authorities indicated a possible handling surcharge could be introduced by the end of the year, potentially adding a further €2‑4 per item. The changes are expected to raise costs for consumers ordering from Chinese online platforms while encouraging compliance among overseas sellers.