EU to Impose €2 Flat Fee on Low-Cost Parcels to Curb Influx of Cheap Imports
Brussels – The European Union is set to introduce a flat fee of €2 on small, low-cost parcels entering the bloc, including those from China, in a bid to curb the surge of cheap imports through online platforms.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič informed the European Parliament of the decision, which aims to regulate the high volume of inexpensive goods entering the EU via e-commerce platforms such as Chinese-based retailers Temu and Shein. Currently, items valued under €150 can be imported duty-free, but the new fee will effectively eliminate that exemption.
This move mirrors the United States’ decision to end its tariff exemption for goods valued under $800, and forms part of a broader EU strategy to balance trade and ensure fair market conditions.
Šefčovič highlighted that the massive influx of parcels—estimated at 4.6 billion euros in value in 2024 alone—poses significant challenges for customs authorities in enforcing product safety and compliance standards. On average, more than 145 parcels enter the EU every second, with over 90% reportedly originating from China.
The new €2 levy will help offset the administrative burden and contribute to the EU budget. However, the Commission must now assess how the measure will be implemented in practice, particularly its impact on consumer costs and its implications for trade dynamics between member states, including the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
Regina Doherty, MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, stressed that the initiative is essential for safeguarding consumers: “This measure is about protecting people from unsafe or substandard products that do not meet EU standards.”
Further details on the enforcement timeline and platform-specific responsibilities are expected in the coming weeks.
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