EU introduces customs duty on small parcels due to cheap imports from China
Kyiv • UNN
The EU imposes a duty of 3 euros on parcels worth less than 150 euros to curb cheap Chinese imports. About 90% of such parcels come from China, and cosmetics and toys often do not meet EU standards.
The EU is imposing a €3 duty on small parcels to curb cheap Chinese imports. This is reported by The Guardian, writes UNN.
Details
Parcels with goods worth less than €150 will no longer be eligible for the "de minimis" tax exemption, which is used by platforms such as Temu and Shein.
According to officials, about 90% of parcels come from China, and competition from online platforms, including Shein and Temu, is hitting European retailers hard.
In particular, cosmetics and toys imported from China have raised the most safety concerns, as 65% of imports in both categories did not meet EU standards.
The same situation applies to food supplements and personal protective equipment.
Last month, EU regulators fined Temu €200 million for failing to stop the sale of illegal and dangerous products. EU officials hope that the €3 tax will make some consumers think twice, especially when purchasing very low-value goods.
In the UK, the Treasury said it will start charging import duties on small parcels worth less than £135 from October 2028.
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