New Import Charge Aims to Curb Unfair Competition

The European Union has taken a significant step toward tightening oversight of low value ecommerce imports by introducing a €3 handling fee on small parcels arriving from China that previously entered the bloc duty-free.

The measure is aimed at addressing what European officials describe as unfair competition from online retail platforms, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

According to EU officials, the new fee is intended to create a more level playing field for European retailers while helping authorities manage the growing volume of low cost imports entering the bloc.

The affected platforms have experienced rapid expansion in Europe by offering products at highly competitive prices, supported in part by customs exemptions that applied to low value shipments.

European retailers and policymakers have argued that these exemptions placed domestic businesses at a competitive disadvantage and increased pressure on customs authorities.

The new import charge forms part of the EU’s broader efforts to strengthen customs enforcement, improve oversight of cross-border e-commerce, and ensure fair competition within the single market.