New European Union import fees for online purchases from non-EU countries

Starting November 1, 2026, the European Union will implement a new 2-euro 'Union Handling Fee' (UHF) on goods purchased online from third countries, including China. This new charge will be added to the existing 3-euro duty introduced in July, bringing the total mandatory surcharge to 5 euros per product category. The fees specifically target high-volume e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which are accused of creating unfair competition for local retail businesses through extremely low pricing.

Crucially, the fee is applied per distinct product category rather than per parcel or per individual item. For example, a parcel containing two identical pens will be charged 5 euros, while a package containing a pen, a notebook, and a keychain could incur a 15-euro surcharge. This measure is part of a broader customs reform, including Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, which seeks to modernize the European Union Customs Code. While the primary components of this broader code are slated for implementation in September 2027, the 2-euro fee serves as an immediate effort to cover processing costs and regulate cheap imports.