Overview
- The charge will apply to packages declared at €150 or below as a temporary measure responding to a surge in small e‑commerce imports from platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Amazon.
- National customs authorities will collect the fee, and the precise scope and practical administration are still being worked out.
- The step advances plans to abolish the €150 de‑minimis exemption, with a new EU customs data system expected to enable duties on all imports later in the decade.
- Officials cite unfair competition, product safety risks and fraud, with the Commission estimating around 12 million parcels arrive daily and roughly 65% are undervalued to evade duties.
- It is not yet clear whether the €3 charge will be passed on to shoppers or absorbed by sellers or importers.