European Parliament approves new EU customs reform for online shopping

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the European Parliament approved a comprehensive reform of the EU customs code to tighten oversight of e-commerce. A key provision is the introduction of a new customs processing fee for all goods purchased from non-EU online stores, such as Temu and Shein, which will be implemented by member states no later than November 1, 2026. The European Commission will determine the exact fee amount, which will be subject to a biennial review.

Under the new rules, online platforms and vendors selling directly to consumers will be classified as importers, assuming full responsibility for customs duties and compliance. Additionally, the reform includes the abolition of the duty-free threshold for items valued under 150 euros and the introduction of a temporary 3-euro flat duty per product category. These measures aim to enhance accountability for goods entering the EU market, with the responsibility for payments shifting from the final consumer to the handling entity or platform.