Starting November 1, the EU will impose new fees on imported packages from third countries to fund customs reforms and curb unfair competition from Chinese imports.
New EU Fees on Imported Packages
Starting November 1, the European Union will introduce new fees on imported packages from non-EU countries, known as "Union processing fees." These fees will be added to an existing 3-euro tax for small packages valued under 150 euros.Fee Structure Based on Item Categories
The new fees will apply to all shipments, regardless of the package’s total value, with a cost of 2 euros per category of items included. For instance, a shipment with three hats, four t-shirts, and two belts would incur a total of 6 euros in fees.Response to Increased Chinese Imports
The fees are meant to fund enhanced customs controls, driven by the surge in Chinese products entering the EU. In 2025, nearly 5.9 billion small packages arrived in the EU, with 93 percent coming from China, often through platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.Funding for Customs and Trade Balance
European businesses have criticized the influx of Chinese goods, arguing it undermines fair competition. France led efforts to address this issue, with Brussels aiming to reduce the EU’s trade deficit by implementing these new charges.Responsibility for Paying the Fees
The fees are intended to be paid by platforms, sellers, or their intermediaries, not directly by consumers. However, some online retailers may raise prices to offset these costs, as they did with the existing small-package tax.Long-Term Customs Reform
The processing fees are a permanent part of a broader reform of the EU’s customs system. The amount will be reviewed every two years to match the evolving costs of customs checks. Starting July 1, 2028, reduced fees will apply to packages moving through specialized warehouses, while the 3-euro tax will be replaced by European customs duties on small packages.
