Overview
- The European Commission has proposed a flat €2 fee for direct-to-consumer shipments and €0.50 for parcels sent to warehouses within the EU.
- This measure aims to alleviate the strain on customs caused by over 4.6 billion low-value parcels imported in 2024, 90% of which originated from China.
- The collected revenue will partly fund customs operations, with the remainder contributing to the EU budget amid growing financial pressures.
- E-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein, which rely on low-cost direct shipping from China, are expected to face significant operational impacts.
- The proposal is pending approval by EU member states and the European Parliament, with further reforms to customs rules under discussion.