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11h ago

EU Proposes Handling Fees for Low-Value E-Commerce Imports

The European Commission unveils a €2 fee for direct-to-consumer parcels and €0.50 for warehouse-bound shipments to address customs costs and unfair competition.

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European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
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Overview

  • The European Commission has proposed a €2 handling fee for direct-to-consumer parcels under €150 and €0.50 for packages sent to EU warehouses.
  • The fees aim to eliminate the customs-free status of small-value imports, which accounted for 4.6 billion parcels in 2024, 91% originating from China.
  • Platforms like Shein and Temu are encouraged to consolidate shipments and distribute from EU warehouses to reduce costs.
  • The measure is a temporary step toward a broader customs overhaul, including a unified EU Customs Authority and IT system, expected by 2028.
  • Concerns over product safety and unfair competition for EU producers are driving the reforms, with investigations ongoing into compliance by major e-commerce platforms.