EU Imposes Customs Duty on Low-Value Parcels from China, Cuts Imports by 30-40%
Quick Look
- Since July 1, the EU has applied a flat €3 customs duty per product category on parcels worth €150 or less, primarily targeting low-value goods from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
- French customs data shows a 30-40% drop in such parcels, with Temu and AliExpress sales falling 50% and 37% respectively.
- The EU cites unfair competition for European retailers and safety concerns, as over 60% of inspected low-value items failed to meet EU standards.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
For years, low-value parcels from Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress have entered the EU duty-free under thresholds for small consignments. This created a cost advantage over EU retailers who pay duties on imports. Concerns grew over unfair competition and product safety, with over 60% of inspected low-value goods failing to meet EU standards in 2025.
For years, small parcels from China have been flooding European letterboxes. Clothes, accessories, gadgets and everyday items ordered on Shein, Temu or AliExpress were arriving directly at consumers’ homes, at very low prices.
A system, an invasion for some, that the EU has seriously reined in.
Since 1 July, parcels worth less than or equal to €150 have been subject to a flat customs duty of €3 per product category. Until now, these small consignments were exempt from customs duties.
The impact of the measure has been swift.
According to French customs figures cited on Thursday by the economy ministry, the number of small parcels imported into the EU has fallen by 30 to 40% since the introduction of the tax.
The French government sees this as proof that tighter regulation can change consumer behaviour and the market dominance of major Chinese platforms.
Between June and July, sales volumes slumped on Temu (-50%) and AliExpress (-37%).
Shein has held up better (-15%), buoyed by the planned opening of a new warehouse in Poland at the end of 2025, which will help to ease the tax burden.
Why has Europe decided to act?
In 2025, 5.9 billion low-value items entered the EU, the equivalent of more than 16 million parcels a day.
For Brussels, the system gave large foreign platforms an advantage over European retailers, who have to comply with the same rules and pay duties on imports.
The European Commission has also highlighted safety concerns.
According to a survey carried out in 2025 in the EU, more than 60% of low-value products inspected did not comply with European requirements or safety standards.
The new rules therefore also allow customs authorities to better identify products that pose a risk.
Although effective, the measure is not permanent.
It is intended to accompany a broader reform of the European customs system in 2028.
Another step could come already in November, when additional fees to fund parcel handling may also be added.
The Shein figures also hint at what comes next.
A duty levied at the border can be sidestepped by moving the warehouse inside it, and a €3 charge that reshapes buying habits in a month is also a €3 charge that platforms can absorb, split across categories or price back into the product.
Brussels has proved it can slow the flow but whether it has changed where these goods ultimately come from is a question for the next two years.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will introduce additional fees to fund parcel handling in November 2025.
Likely · Within months
Shein will open a warehouse in Poland by the end of 2025 to mitigate the impact of the EU customs duty.
Very likely · Within months
The EU will implement a broader reform of its customs system by 2028.
Very likely · Within years
Open Questions
- Will the EU implement additional fees for parcel handling in November as suggested?
- How will Chinese platforms adapt long-term — through local warehouses, pricing changes, or legal challenges?
- Is the 30-40% drop in parcel volume sustainable or temporary due to consumer stockpiling?
- What specific safety non-compliances were found in the 60% of failed inspections?
