Overview

• The European Commission has proposed a €2 fee for direct-to-consumer parcels under €150 and €0.50 for shipments routed through EU warehouses.
• This measure is part of a broader customs reform to centralize EU customs operations and modernize IT infrastructure, planned to begin next year.
• The fee would remove the duty-free status of low-value imports, with platforms like Shein and Temu required to pay the levy instead of consumers.
• China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally objected, urging the EU to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory trade environment.
• Brussels anticipates generating approximately €3 billion annually from the fees to fund customs operations and support the EU budget.