Impact of new customs duties on e-commerce in Cyprus

Since July 1, 2026, a mandatory €3 customs duty has been applied to all low-value parcels imported into European Union member states from third countries. According to George Konstantinou, spokesperson for the Cyprus Department of Customs and Excise, this measure has resulted in a notable change in consumer behavior regarding online purchases from platforms like Temu and Shein.

Statistical data provided by the Customs Department indicates a significant shift in trade patterns. Before the implementation of the duty, the monthly average was approximately 275,000 parcels containing 330,000 items. By July 2026, the volume of parcels dropped to roughly 160,000, yet the number of individual items within those shipments rose to 660,000. While officials suggest that early figures might be influenced by summer holiday patterns or stockpiling prior to the tax, the sustained downward trend observed through September indicates that consumers are becoming more cautious due to the increased costs.

Looking ahead, authorities expect that additional handling fees related to broader European Union customs reforms will be introduced, which may further affect retail prices for local consumers. The Department of Customs continues to monitor these trends to assess the long-term impact on the e-commerce market.