EU to impose 3-euro duty on small imported parcels from July 2026

The European Union is set to introduce a new 3-euro duty on small parcels imported into its 27 member states, effective July 1, 2026. This move aims to curb the influx of low-value products, predominantly from China, which frequently do not meet European safety and quality standards.

The duty will apply to parcels valued under 150 euros, previously exempt from customs charges. These are typically purchases made online from e-commerce platforms outside the EU. The fee will be levied per item type, meaning a package with a shirt and shoes would incur two separate duties, while a package with only shirts, regardless of quantity, would be charged once.

This temporary duty is part of a broader customs reform expected within two years. Additional "processing fees," potentially up to 2 euros per parcel, are also slated to be added from November to support customs services. The EU accelerated this measure from an initial 2028 plan due to a surge in low-cost purchases from platforms like Shein and Temu.

Officials state the goal is to safeguard European consumers from potentially hazardous goods and level the playing field for European businesses. In 2024, approximately 4.6 billion small parcels entered the EU market, with 91% originating from China. This volume made thorough checks difficult, allowing counterfeit or non-compliant products to enter.

The EU Commission anticipates the duty will reduce the import of very low-value orders by increasing their cost. Revenues generated will fund enhanced checks at European airports and ports. While companies are responsible for paying the duty, they can pass the cost to consumers. An EU official clarified that online consumers are not directly responsible for the tax, but consumer associations warn of potential fraud.

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Online consumers are not responsible for paying the tax.