Global regulation of low-value e-commerce imports

Governments are increasingly implementing measures to regulate the high volume of low-cost goods imported via e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein.

In the United States, the repeal of the ‘de minimis’ rule for shipments from China and Hong Kong has led to significant cost increases for consumers. Following the rule's removal, some platforms have introduced import fees ranging from 130% to 150% on goods from China. Additionally, a directive implemented in late 2025 allows postal operators to apply fixed customs fees per package, with a minimum of $80, which can disproportionately affect small orders.

Norway is considering new taxes on low-value imports to manage the influx of goods. Norwegian Customs data shows that over 50 million items from these platforms arrived in the country within a single year. The Norwegian government has tasked the Ministry of Finance with investigating potential customs duties and control fees to prevent the country from becoming a more attractive market for these platforms compared to the European Union. The organization Framtiden i våre hender has called for a tax on small packages for the 2027 national budget, mirroring a temporary three-euro customs duty recently implemented by the EU.

In Colombia, the House of Representatives is discussing a legislative proposal to eliminate tax exemptions and adjust customs frameworks for platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. Local industry leaders, including Arturo Calle, have raised concerns over severe price disparities between domestic goods and low-cost imports, arguing that the influx threatens the textile, footwear, and leather sectors.