The European Union has agreed to introduce a €3 flat-rate import fee on all parcels valued under €150 arriving from outside the bloc, with effect from 1 July 2026. The measure is set to impact millions of low-cost packages, chiefly forwarded by e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein, which have reshaped cross-border retail with their cost-competitive offerings and direct shipping from Asia.
This legislative move comes amidst a surge in import volumes. Official data indicates that the annual number of low-value consignments to the EU has tripled since 2022, reaching an estimated 4.6 billion parcels in 2025. Customs officials have raised concerns about the strain on inspection resources and the challenge of enforcing product safety standards. As Spain's Minister of Economy Carlos Cuerpo noted, the decision "represents a strong reaction to what many see as unfair competition posed to European manufacturers and retailers, who face higher regulatory burdens and tax obligations." The temporary arrangement is scheduled to remain until 2028, after which a unified European data system is expected to replace it.
Economic implications and reinforcement of the single market
The new levy will affect approximately 93% of e-commerce shipments entering the EU, according to the European Council. The European Commission has identified China as the origin for about 91% of the 12 million daily parcels delivered to the EU, chiefly via Temu and Shein. With aggressive pricing and rapid logistics, these companies have rapidly gained ground among budget-conscious European consumers.
France has played a leading role, hailing the agreement as "a great victory for the European Union." French Economy Minister Roland Lescure stated, "Europe is taking concrete action to protect its single market, its consumers, and its sovereignty." Paris is weighing an additional €2 national fee to further regulate imports, on top of the EU-wide scheme. In settling on a flat-rate over a value-based tariff—an approach initially advocated by France—member states chose simplicity: €3 per package for all non-EU online consignments below €150.
Implementation timeline and key objectives
The levy will serve as a transitional tool, adopted after calls for swifter action to curb abuse of low-value duty exemptions in place since 1983. Although finance ministers across the 27 member states agreed in February 2025 to abolish these exemptions, a comprehensive overhaul can only take effect in 2028 with the roll-out of centralised IT infrastructure.
It is important to distinguish this €3 fee from a separate €2 handling charge still under consideration by the European Commission, which would apply to all incoming parcels if enacted. Collectively, these steps seek to stem flows of counterfeit, non-compliant, or unsafe imports, restore competitive balance for EU producers, tackle environmental costs linked to fast fashion and mass shipping, and safeguard against fraudulent import declarations.
Impact on online retailers and EU consumers
For digital marketplaces and end customers, the extra charge is expected to have a ripple effect. E-commerce providers—mostly headquartered in China—are anticipated to adjust pricing structures, with higher costs likely passed along to consumers. For bargain hunters in Spain and across Europe, the €3 flat rate may significantly inflate the price of low-cost goods, where it could constitute a substantial proportion of the item's value. This is particularly relevant in Spain, where analysts highlight a marked rise—over 65% in two years—in consumer orders from Asian platforms.
Industry experts predict a potential slowdown in the growth of low-cost e-commerce in Europe, possibly offering a reprieve to local sellers facing eroded market share. However, price differentials may persist, and the extent of the effect will depend on both consumer behaviour and platform strategies.
Customs operation and broader trade policy
For EU and Spanish customs authorities, the new regime will demand efficiency gains to process millions of micro-payments each day. The revenue raised will feed directly into the EU's collective budget, underpinning broader policy initiatives and reflecting a more assertive approach to redressing trade imbalances with China and other major trading partners. The move comes amid heightened global trade tensions and ongoing efforts within the EU to enhance economic resilience and protect domestic industries against perceived unfair commercial practices.