The European Union has implemented a new customs handling fee of €3 (approximately $3.40) for low-value e-commerce packages entering the region, specifically affecting imports from international platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. These platforms previously enjoyed duty-free status, but the new regulation now imposes this charge on each customs classification within a shipment. Consequently, parcels containing various product categories will accumulate multiple fees, whereas shipments with uniform items will incur just a single €3 fee.
This measure, according to EU officials, aims to combat unfair competition and curb the exploitation of customs exemptions that enabled foreign online retailers to offer products at significantly lower prices. The surge in low-value parcel entries into the EU in recent years has been fueled by the booming growth of cross-border e-commerce, necessitating this regulatory change.
Industry experts predict that, in the short term, these new fees will likely lead to a decrease in e-commerce air shipments into Europe. In response to the added costs, online platforms might adjust their pricing strategies or negotiate with suppliers to share the financial burden.