EU Implements New Customs Duties on Small E-commerce Shipments from China

The European Union is taking a significant step to level the playing field for its businesses by implementing new customs rules on small shipments, particularly those arriving via e-commerce. For years, low-value goods, often originating from countries like China, have entered the EU market without incurring customs duties, creating an unfair advantage over European retailers.

Starting July 1, 2026, this will change. A temporary uniform customs duty of 3 euros will be applied to each product category within shipments valued under 150 euros. This move is expected to not only curb unfair competition but also to provide a much-needed boost to both the EU's budget and the national finances of member states, as customs duties are a traditional source of revenue.

The sheer volume of these small packages, which has doubled annually since 2022 and reached 4.6 billion in 2024, highlights the scale of the issue. With 91% of these shipments coming from China, the new rules directly address a major challenge posed by the rapid growth of e-commerce and its cross-border implications. This reform is part of a broader effort by the EU to modernize its customs system in response to increasing trade flows, fragmented national systems, and evolving geopolitical circumstances.