EU Proposes New Fees and Stricter Oversight for E-Commerce Imports

The European Commission targets unsafe low-value imports, primarily from China, with new customs reforms and consumer protection measures.

The European Commission has proposed removing the duty-free exemption for parcels valued under €150 to address the surge of unsafe low-value imports, 91% of which come from China.
New handling fees for e-commerce parcels are being considered to offset the costs of ensuring compliance with EU safety and environmental standards.
The EU has launched an investigation into Shein for alleged violations of consumer protection rules, with similar scrutiny already underway for Temu and AliExpress.
Authorities report that up to 96% of products tested from certain e-commerce platforms fail to meet EU safety standards, citing risks such as choking hazards and electrical issues.
The measures are part of a broader strategy to address environmental concerns, unfair competition, and consumer safety risks in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.