EU's €3 duty cuts small parcel imports from China by 30-40%
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The European Union's €3 customs duty on small parcels under €150, effective July 1, has cut imports from China by 30–40%, according to French customs data. Sales on Temu fell 50% and AliExpress 37% from June to July, while Shein dropped 15%. The measure precedes a broader EU customs reform planned for 2028.
Key Facts
- The EU introduced a fixed €3 customs duty on parcels valued up to €150 on July 1, 2026.
- French customs data show small parcel imports into the EU fell 30–40% after the duty took effect.
- From June to July, sales on Temu dropped 50%, AliExpress 37%, and Shein 15%.
- In 2025, the EU received 5.9 billion low-value goods, averaging over 16 million parcels per day.
- A 2025 EU study found over 60% of inspected low-value goods failed to meet European safety standards.
The New Duty
From July 1, 2026, parcels valued up to €150 are subject to a fixed customs duty of €3 per item category. Previously, such small shipments were exempt from customs duties. The measure targets the tax loophole used by Shein, Temu, and AliExpress to ship goods directly to European consumers.
Market Impact
French customs data released by the Ministry of Economy show a 30–40% drop in small parcel imports since the duty began. Sales on Temu fell 50% from June to July, while AliExpress declined 37%. Shein's sales decreased by 15%, partly offset by a new logistics warehouse opened in Poland in late 2025. In 2025, 5.9 billion low-value goods entered the EU, averaging over 16 million parcels daily.
Safety and Reform
A 2025 EU study found that over 60% of inspected low-value goods did not meet European safety requirements. The new rules give customs authorities better tools to identify potentially dangerous products. The duty is a precursor to a broader EU customs reform planned for 2028. Additional fees to fund parcel processing may be introduced as early as November 2026.
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EU's €3 duty cuts small parcel imports from China by 30-40%
