# EU customs reform targets e-commerce and small parcels > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-customs-fees-on-low-value-imports > Updated: 2026-09-10T18:40:13.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 7. Since the implementation of a new EU customs regime on July 1, 2024, which introduced a €3 flat-rate fee for low-value imports, the impact on e-commerce has intensified. The policy aims to modernize the customs system, curb order-splitting, and address safety concerns, following a 2025 study suggesting over 60 percent of low-value products failed to meet European safety standards. In Poland, major Chinese platforms experienced significant user declines, with Temu dropping over 20 percent and AliExpress by over 15 percent. French Ministry of Economy data indicated a broader decline, with small parcel volumes entering the EU dropping by 30 to 40 percent. Specific sales reductions between June and July included Temu falling by approximately 50 percent, AliExpress by 37 percent, and Shein by 15 percent. The Czech Republic also saw non-EU shipment volumes fall from 2.22 million in June to approximately 1.08 million in July. Building on these developments, the Council of the European Union has granted final approval for a major reform of the EU customs framework. This overhaul classifies non-EU e-commerce platforms as importers, making them responsible for customs formalities, duties, and safety compliance. To manage the volume of small parcels—which exceeded 6 billion in 2025—the EU will introduce a new handling fee for small e-commerce parcels by November 1, 2026. This fee is distinct from the existing three-euro flat-rate customs duty for items valued under 150 euros. By July 1, 2026, new regulations officially abolished the customs duty exemption for goods valued up to 150 euros. In response to ongoing regulatory challenges, the European Commission is preparing a legislative proposal titled the ‘European Product Act’, expected for publication on October 6, 2026. This act aims to close loopholes allowing non-compliant and illegal products from third-country e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein to enter the market. ## Claims - E-commerce platforms selling goods into the EU will be treated as importers. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Platforms will be responsible for customs formalities, duty payments, and ensuring goods meet EU safety standards. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Non-compliant operators can face fines of up to 6 percent of their previous year's annual value of imported goods. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The Council of the European Union has approved a major reform of the European customs system. (corroborated by 11 sources) - A new EU-level handling fee for small e-commerce parcels will be introduced by November 1, 2026. (corroborated by 11 sources) - A new decentralized EU customs agency will be established in Lille, France, to begin operations in 2027. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The reform aims to modernize customs procedures, improve tax collection, and enhance oversight of unsafe or non-compliant goods. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A temporary flat-rate customs duty of three euros per category of goods applies to shipments valued under 150 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: European Commission prepares new rules to curb illegal e-commerce imports The European Commission is drafting the ‘European Product Act’ to combat illegal, low-cost imports on e-commerce platforms by requiring EU-based entities to take legal responsibility for product compliance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-commission-prepares-new-rules-to-curb-illegal-e-commerce-imports ### 2026-09-06: European Union approves major customs reform for e-commerce The EU Council has approved a major customs reform that shifts import responsibilities to e-commerce platforms and introduces new handling fees for small parcels to improve oversight and tax collection. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-approves-major-customs-and-e-commerce-reform ### 2026-09-03: European Union approves major customs and e-commerce reform The EU Council has approved a landmark customs reform that reclassifies e-commerce platforms as importers, shifting tax and safety responsibilities from consumers to sellers and introducing new penalties. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-approves-major-customs-framework-reform ### 2026-08-31: EU customs fee causes sharp drop in Chinese e-commerce imports A new 3-euro EU customs fee on small packages has caused sales for Chinese platforms to drop, with Temu falling 50% and AliExpress 37% as the EU seeks to level the playing field. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-customs-duties-trigger-drop-in-chinese-e-commerce-imports ### 2026-08-18: Czech Republic sees drop in low-value imports following new EU tax rules Low-value imports to the Czech Republic dropped significantly in July 2026 after new EU tax rules ended exemptions for shipments under 150 euros, impacting platforms like Temu and Shein. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-republic-sees-drop-in-low-value-imports-following-new-eu-tax-rules ### 2026-08-14: European Union implements new customs fees on low-value imports New EU customs fees of 3 euros per item category are impacting Chinese e-commerce platforms, causing significant user declines for Temu and AliExpress in markets like Poland. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-implements-new-customs-fees-on-low-value-imports ### 2026-07-31: EU Implements €3 Per-Category Customs Fee on Low-Value Asian Imports The EU’s new customs rule, effective 1 July 2024, adds a €3 per‑category fee on low‑value imports up to €150, aiming at cheap goods from Temu, AliExpress and Shein, while VAT and clearance fees remain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-implements-3-per-category-customs-fee-on-low-value-asian-imports --- Cite as: EU customs reform targets e-commerce and small parcels. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-customs-fees-on-low-value-imports