3 Euro Fee Hits Hard: Sharp Drop in Shipments from China

A new 3 euro fee on shipments originating from outside the European Union, implemented on July 1, 2026, is already creating a noticeable impact, leading to a significant double-digit decline in the number of packages arriving from China. This change replaces the previous exemption for parcels valued under 150 euros, which now face full customs clearance and standard tax obligations.

Consumers are reportedly canceling purchases due to the unexpectedly high additional costs. One shopper, Beata, shared her experience of canceling a 140 euro order from Temu because the customs fees alone exceeded 80 euros. This sentiment is likely shared by many who previously relied on lower prices from Chinese e-commerce platforms. Logistics operators are observing the situation cautiously, with some noting a temporary slowdown in package flow into Poland.

While some companies acknowledge double-digit drops in packages from China, they are hesitant to attribute the entire decline solely to the new fee, citing the possibility of seasonal summer slowdowns. However, the European Commission's estimates suggest that around 12 million parcels under 150 euros entered Europe daily in 2024, with a significant portion having artificially lowered declared values. The new regulations aim to address this, though companies that utilize European warehouses for fulfillment may bypass these fees.

The long-term implications for the European e-commerce and logistics market are substantial. The removal of potentially billions of packages annually could reshape the industry. While some operators are still adjusting their systems and processes to comply with the new EU regulations, the full effect of these changes on consumer behavior and market volumes remains to be seen.

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Z perspektywy operacyjnej rzeczywiście obserwujemy chwilowe wyhamowanie napływu przesyłek z Chin do Polski. Jeśli porównamy pierwszą połowę lipca z analogicznym okresem ubiegłego roku, widzimy spadek liczby przesyłek i zwrotów obsługiwanych w naszym systemie. Na tym etapie trudno jednak jednoznacznie przesądzić, jaka część tego zjawiska wynika z nowych opłat obowiązujących od 1 lipca, a jaka jest efektem sezonowego spowolnienia związanego z okresem wakacyjnym