EU Introduces New Levy on Online Purchases
Starting July 1, the European Union will enforce a €3 fee on low-cost online orders originating from third-country platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. This measure comes in response to a projected surge in duty-free parcels—from 1.4 billion in 2022 to 5.8 billion by 2025—and aims to combat customs evasion and the undervaluation of goods. For context, these platforms have grown rapidly in popularity across Europe, often offering items at prices that undercut local retailers.
How the Fee Will Be Applied
The €3 charge will apply per product category within a single parcel. If a shipment contains three distinct product categories, the total fee will be €9. Multiple identical items within the same category will still incur only one €3 charge. This levy is temporary, with plans to replace it with a permanent category-based customs system starting July 1, 2028.
Under the new rules, online platforms will automatically be designated as importers. Air freight volumes for e-commerce goods entering the EU are expected to drop by 10–35% in the first weeks after the fee takes effect. The French government has backed this initiative, approving an updated version of a bill on June 30 aimed at curbing ultra-fast fashion platforms.
The introduction of this fee could significantly reshape Europe's e-commerce landscape, particularly for companies specializing in cheap goods. Beyond reducing the volume of duty-free parcels, the measure seeks to regulate online retailers that frequently offer products at artificially low prices, potentially harming local producers. In the short term, import volumes are likely to decline, but over the long run, this could encourage a shift toward more sustainable business models in the e-commerce sector.
As the EU implements this new fee structure, it's worth noting that similar customs changes are on the horizon for other regions. For instance, new customs fees for packages from Ukraine will take effect in 2026, reflecting a broader trend in tightening regulations on international online shopping. This shift in policy could further influence consumer behavior and the dynamics of cross-border e-commerce.