European Union to increase import fees for Temu and Shein shoppers

The European Union is implementing new customs regulations that will increase the cost of online purchases from non-EU platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. Following a flat-rate customs duty of 3 euros per tariff category introduced in July 2026, a new 2-euro handling fee will take effect on November 1, 2026.

These additional costs are applied per product category rather than per package. For example, a single shipment containing items from three different categories could incur up to 15 euros in total fees. The measures aim to level the playing field for European retailers and fund the upgrading of customs controls, which face an annual cost exceeding 5 billion euros due to the massive volume of small parcels.

Data indicates that the initial customs measures have already begun to impact consumer behavior. In Cyprus and Greece, authorities have reported a decrease in arrivals from these platforms as shoppers reconsider the value of low-cost imports. The EU intends to fully abolish the incomplete import system for goods valued up to 150 euros by summer 2028, requiring all goods to fall under standard customs classifications.