Liège Airport small parcel imports drop 53% following new EU tax

Small parcel imports at Liège Airport, a major European e-commerce hub, fell by 53% in July compared to the previous year following the implementation of a new European Union tax. The measure applies to packages valued under 150 euros, which were previously exempt from customs duties.

The new tax imposes a fee of three euros per category of item within a package. This policy aims to curb the influx of low-value goods from Asian e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Aliexpress, which often do not meet European standards. Belgian authorities noted that the average value of imported goods has nearly doubled, rising above 10 euros, suggesting that consumers and platforms are adapting to the new costs.

In addition to protecting consumers from potentially dangerous or counterfeit products, the tax is intended to level the playing field for European retailers who have faced unfair competition. While the three-euro levy is a transitional measure expected to remain until 2028, it reflects broader efforts by the EU to address trade imbalances with China. Similar trends have been observed in France, where customs officials reported a 30% to 40% drop in small parcel imports across the EU.