EU Customs Reform: New fees and platform responsibilities approved

EU customs reform e-commerce regulation import fees EU Data Hub online shopping

The European Parliament has approved a major reform of the EU customs code, marking the most significant overhaul of the system since 1968. The reform aims to address the massive surge in e-commerce, with nearly 6 billion small packages entering the EU in 2025, approximately 90% of which originate from China via platforms like Shein and Temu.

A key component is the introduction of a new processing fee for small packages from non-EU retailers. This fee, which will be set by the European Commission and reviewed every two years, is intended to cover the rising costs of inspection and tracking. Member states must begin collecting these fees by November 1, 2026. This is separate from the existing three-euro flat customs duty applied to goods valued under 150 euros.

The reform also shifts significant responsibility onto e-commerce platforms. Non-EU platforms will now be legally treated as importers, making them responsible for customs procedures, data provision, and duty payments. To prevent evasion through shell companies, platforms must have an EU presence or be represented by an authorized economic operator (AEO).

To modernize operations, the EU will establish a new customs authority (EUCA) based in Lille, France, and implement a unified pan-European IT system known as the ‘EU Data Hub’. This system will be optional in 2031 and mandatory by 2034. Non-compliant companies face severe penalties, including fines of up to 6 percent of their total annual value of goods imported into the EU.

Entities

EU Customs Authority · European Commission · European Customs Authority · European Parliament · Lille · Shein · Temu · UPS

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 10 SOURCES] The reform establishes a new EU customs authority (EUCA) to be based in Lille, France. fenix-magazin.de · www.monitor.si · www.alon.hu · www.economx.hu · lesinguliersete.fr · +5 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Non-compliant companies can face fines of up to 6 percent of their total value of goods imported into the EU over the previous 12 months. www.alon.hu · umbrela-strategica.ro · www.economx.hu · dunav.at · lesinguliersete.fr · +1 more
[● 3 SOURCES] A new pan-European IT system called the 'EU Data Hub' will be optional starting in 2031 and mandatory by 2034. umbrela-strategica.ro · www.monitor.si · www.eunews.it
[● 14 SOURCES] Non-EU e-commerce platforms will be legally treated as importers, making them responsible for customs procedures and duty payments. www.alon.hu · www.economx.hu · umbrela-strategica.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro · dunav.at · +9 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Platforms are encouraged to use EU warehouses, as bulk shipments in collective packaging will benefit from lower processing fees. umbrela-strategica.ro · www.stiripesurse.ro · www.messaggeromarittimo.it · www.eunews.it · www.monitor.si
[● 19 SOURCES] Member states must begin collecting the new processing fees no later than November 1, 2026. umbrela-strategica.ro · fenix-magazin.de · www.monitor.si · www.stiripesurse.ro · obalaplus.si · +14 more
[● 13 SOURCES] The European Parliament approved a major reform of the EU customs code. www.alon.hu · www.economx.hu · umbrela-strategica.ro · fenix-magazin.de · www.monitor.si · +8 more
[● 19 SOURCES] A new processing fee will be applied to small packages from non-EU online retailers to cover rising inspection and tracking costs. www.alon.hu · www.economx.hu · umbrela-strategica.ro · fenix-magazin.de · www.monitor.si · +14 more