In 2024, over 4.6 billion low-value parcels (under €150) entered the EU — a staggering 12 million per day, and twice as many as the year before. This dramatic surge, driven by platforms like Temu and AliExpress, has prompted the European Commission to act.
“This huge flood of parcels represents a completely new challenge,” said EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
To address the issue, the Commission is now proposing a €2 per-package fee on all shipments sent directly to consumers from outside the EU. Parcels delivered to warehouses would face a reduced fee of €0.50. The move echoes a recent U.S. policy shift, where the longstanding $800 duty-free import threshold has been scrapped to curb similar practices.
“The risk is that flows redirected from the United States due to their new protectionist policies will arrive in Europe, making us the big losers,” noted Belgium’s Economy Minister David Clarinval.
EFTTA Response
At the EFTTA General Assembly 2025, members from across the trade echoed the same concerns. The Board agreed that the time is right for EFTTA to actively support EU-level initiatives tackling the wave of untaxed direct imports. Board members emphasized the need for a fair playing field, protection of established retailers, and recognition of the damage being done to local businesses.
EFTTA will now map existing lobbying efforts, explore strategic partnerships with other affected industries, and keep members informed as EU policy progresses. This includes investigating how customs thresholds, product safety rules, and tax loopholes can be more fairly enforced.
More:
=>The EU Commission: "Tackling challenges with e-commerce imports"
=>The EU Commission: "New approach to VAT for e-commerce imports to simplify trade and compliance"
=>The EU Commission: "non-paper on an e-commerce handling fee"
=>Brussels Signal: "EU to act against ‘invasion’ of small Chinese parcels"
=>EURACTIV: "EU proposes €2 package fee to tackle flood of Chinese low-cost goods"
=>BBC: "EU plans €2 fee on small parcels in hit to Shein and Temu"
