The European Union has introduced a new €3 handling charge on low-value packages in an effort to curb the growing influx of inexpensive imports from China.
According to reports, the measure is aimed at addressing concerns over unfair competition, product safety, and the increasing volume of parcels entering the EU through online shopping platforms.
Under the new policy, packages containing goods valued at less than €150 will no longer benefit from the "de minimis" tax exemption. The exemption has been widely used by Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein to ship low-cost products directly to European consumers without paying import duties.
EU officials estimate that nearly 90percent of these low-value packages originate from China. They argue that the rapid growth of online marketplaces offering inexpensive products has placed significant pressure on European retailers, making it increasingly difficult for local businesses to compete on price.
In addition to concerns about market competition, regulators have highlighted serious product safety issues. Authorities report that around 65percent of imported cosmetics and toys from China fail to meet EU safety and compliance standards. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding dietary supplements and personal protective equipment, with many products reportedly failing to comply with the bloc's regulatory requirements.
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The move follows increased scrutiny of major online marketplaces. Last month, EU regulators imposed a €200 million fine on Temu for failing to adequately prevent the sale of unsafe and illegal products on its platform.
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Officials believe the new €3 charge will encourage consumers to think twice before purchasing very low-cost items from overseas sellers, while also helping cover the administrative costs associated with processing millions of small parcels.
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The United Kingdom is taking a similar approach. The UK Treasury has announced that import duties will be applied to small packages valued below £135 beginning in October 2028, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen oversight of cross-border e-commerce imports.