[REVISION HISTORY]

EU customs reform targets e-commerce and small parcels

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-10 14:50 UTC → 2026-09-11 13:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~During a transitional period, many small orders are subject~~ In response to ongoing regulatory challenges, the European Commission is preparing a ~~fee of approximately 3 euros per item type in~~ legislative proposal titled the ~~customs declaration.~~ ‘European Product Act’, expected for publication on October 6, 2026. This ~~has impacted platforms including AliExpress, Temu, Shein,~~ act aims to close loopholes allowing non-compliant and ~~Alibaba.~~ illegal products from third-country e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein to enter the market.

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