The EU declares war on Temu and Shein with a tariff of 3 euros for low-value shipments

The European Commission has made a decision that will have a direct impact on international online shopping. Beginning in July 2026, a customs duty of 3 euros per item will be imposed on all eCommerce packages valued below 150 euros that are shipped directly to consumers in the EU from third countries. According to the Commission, this temporary measure is intended to level the competitive playing field between traditional European retail and the rise of foreign eCommerce platforms.

New rules of the game for low-value imports

This decision is a continuation of the resolution made by the finance ministers of the European Union in November to eliminate the customs duty exemption currently enjoyed by packages under 150€ sent from outside the EU. In fact, this is a proposal that has been under consideration for some time, under the pretext of ensuring safe and sustainable eCommerce.

For the Commission, low-value packages entering the EU enjoy an advantage that, of course, results in a serious competitive problem for European businesses. Given the rapid increase in eCommerce imports, both the Commission and the Member States have recognized the need for an urgent solution.

Although the elimination of this customs exemption will apply to all goods arriving from outside the EU, it can indeed be stated that there is a principal country affected: China. According to Commission data, in 2024, 91% of all eCommerce shipments valued below 150€ originated from China.

This means that Chinese eCommerce giants such as Shein, Temu, or AliExpress will face a significant setback affecting one of their main selling points, namely, ultra-low prices. These companies particularly benefit from customs rules that apply exemptions to low-cost goods, splitting large orders into multiple small packages, thereby enabling them to offer products at extremely low prices.

Temporary solution

In any case, this new duty is a temporary solution. It will remain in effect until the EU Customs Data Hub is established in 2028, as part of the EU’s ambitious customs reform. Once operational, this center will allow for the implementation of the permanent customs regime, providing customs authorities with a comprehensive overview of goods entering and exiting the Union. The Council and the Commission are already working on the necessary legal amendments and IT infrastructure to ensure the smooth implementation of this provisional measure.

Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, explained: “Our work to modernize trade management at our borders is on the right track, and we are about to complete the most ambitious customs reform since the creation of the Customs Union in 1968. Our goal is clear: a modern digital environment that guarantees the smooth flow of international trade, while protecting the strength and integrity of our Single Market. With the rapid expansion of eCommerce, the world is changing at an accelerated pace, and we need the right tools to keep up. For this reason, the decision on customs duties for small packages entering the EU is so important to ensuring fair competition at our borders in today’s era of eCommerce.”

In addition to this 3-euro duty, the Commission has indicated that a separate negotiation is ongoing regarding a handling fee. The purpose of this fee is not to level the competition, but rather to offset the rising costs borne by customs authorities in supervising the vast flow of eCommerce packages. The details and effective date for this handling fee (initially proposed for November 2026) are expected to be defined during the trilogue negotiations on customs reform.

Image: Gemini