The new fee is calculated per customs classification code within a package. For example, a parcel containing three different product categories will incur a 9 euro charge, whereas a package with multiple dresses or several toys of the same type will only be charged 3 euro.

Since 2008, the EU has exempted import duties on goods valued under 150 euro. However, the number of parcels benefiting from this exemption surged from 1,4 billion euro in 2022 to 5,8 billion euro by 2025, as foreign platforms exploited the regulation to bring low-cost goods into the bloc.

According to the EU, the decision to levy fees aims to curb unfair competition from e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. These platforms, while experiencing rapid growth, have faced criticism from European retailers and officials.

Dirk Gotink, the Member of Parliament responsible for customs reform at the European Parliament, stated, "Previously, the exemption for low-value goods was entirely reasonable, but not anymore. It has been disrupted by e-commerce, especially from China."

A phone displays the Temu logo, with the Shein logo in the background. *Reuters*

Derek Lossing, an e-commerce consultant at Cirrus Global Advisors, predicted that platforms might pressure suppliers to share a portion of the incurred costs. This strategy aims to limit price increases and protect profit margins.

It is also possible that consumer prices will rise as platforms pass a portion of the additional costs to customers. Shein has prepared for the new fee policy by expanding its warehouse in Wroclaw, Poland, and increasing bulk shipments into the EU. Shein and Temu declined to comment on the matter.

AliExpress, owned by Alibaba, stated that eligible products will be marked "Import duties and VAT included." For other items, detailed import fees will be displayed to customers before checkout.

Amazon, which recently launched its low-cost service Amazon Haul, reported that 97% of its EU orders last year were delivered from warehouses within the bloc. For products shipped from outside, buyers are fully informed of all fees at checkout.

Before the EU, the US had already ended its de minimis exemption for low-value goods imported from China in May 2025, extending it to all imports from late August of the same year.

According to Derek Lossing, the question now is which new markets low-cost online selling platforms might turn to. He commented, "When the US ended 'de minimis', Europe was once an ideal alternative, but now there are almost no clear alternatives left."

Phien An (according to Reuters)