EU gets far fewer cheap packages from China after new tariff
Photo: parcels at a postal warehouse in the EU (Getty Images)
Following the introduction of new European customs duties on cheap parcels from third countries, their volume has noticeably declined. The most significant drop was recorded after the new rules took effect in July, reports Euronews.
The French government believes that a 30–40% reduction in the flow may indicate that customs regulation can influence the behaviour of major trading platforms, particularly those from China. French customs data was cited by the French Ministry of the Economy.
The shipments in question are those valued at up to 150 euros, which previously were not subject to import duties. The new rules are part of the EU's response to the substantial influx of cheap goods from third countries, notably China.
What duties the EU introduced
From 1 July, a €3 duty was imposed on parcels valued at up to €150. Previously, such shipments were not subject to import duties.
In the period from June to July, sales volumes on Temu fell by 50%, while AliExpress saw a 37% decline.
Shein fared better, with its sales dropping by approximately 15%. One factor cited for the smaller decline was the planned opening of the company's new warehouse in Poland.
The €3 levy is an interim measure agreed by EU member states. It aims to counteract the influx of cheap and potentially unsafe goods from China and other third countries, Euronews notes.
At the same time, the new system is not the final model for customs controls.
Why the EU decided to change the rules
European authorities have for years highlighted the rapid growth in the volume of low-cost goods arriving directly to consumers from outside the EU.
In 2025 alone, the EU received 5.9 billion low-value items, equivalent to over 16 million parcels per day.
Brussels believes that this trading model has given large foreign platforms an advantage over European retailers. The latter, unlike many low-cost shipments from third countries, are required to comply with European rules and pay customs duties when importing goods.
EU also cites product safety concerns
Another reason for tightening controls has been product safety. According to a 2025 EU survey, over 60% of low-value goods inspected did not meet European requirements or safety standards.
Therefore, the new rules are designed not only to impose additional charges on importers but also to help customs authorities more effectively manage the vast flow of cheap goods and identify products that may pose a risk.
What will change from 2028
From July 2028, the EU Customs Data Centre is set to become operational. Once launched, the plan is to apply standard customs duties based on the tariff classification of the goods, their origin, and value. The amount of the charges will be determined in accordance with existing EU standard rules on customs duties.
Thus, the current €3 duty is a transitional mechanism leading to a full-fledged customs regulatory framework for low-cost parcels from outside the EU.
What is known about duties on parcels in Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada committee has, for the third time, backed the taxation of parcels. The finance minister assured that the final price of goods would not necessarily rise by exactly 20%. At the same time, the bill still requires parliamentary approval; the committee's decision is a recommendation to the Verkhovna Rada, not the final introduction of new rules.
