EU introduces temporary customs duties on small-value imported goods

The European Union has announced a temporary customs duty of three euros per item category on small parcels valued under 150 euros imported from third countries. This measure is scheduled to be in effect from July 1, 2026, until July 1, 2028. It specifically targets the surge of low-value shipments from platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, although it applies to all suppliers outside the bloc, including those in the US and UK. The duty is charged per product category; for instance, a parcel containing different types of items will incur multiple three-euro charges. The EU implemented this policy to address concerns over unfair competition for European retailers and to improve safety and compliance oversight. Officials cited a massive increase in imports, reporting 4.6 billion parcels in 2024 and nearly 5.9 billion in subsequent volumes. This temporary flat-rate charge will remain active until the implementation of a full-scale overhaul of the EU customs system and the launch of a dedicated e-commerce data hub.