EU tax: number of small parcels from China nearly halves

Tengrinews.kz — Since July 1, the EU has imposed a €3 duty on small parcels worth less than €150. The measure is already having an impact: imports, primarily from China, have fallen by 30–40 percent, according to Euronews.

For years, clothing, accessories, gadgets and everyday goods ordered through platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress were delivered directly to European consumers, often for just a few euros. That system is now being significantly curtailed by new European Union measures.

Since July 1, parcels worth up to and including €150 have been subject to a fixed customs duty of €3 per product category. Previously, such low-value shipments were exempt from customs duties.

The EU is closing a tax loophole used by Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The effect was immediate. According to French customs data cited by the Economy Ministry on Thursday, the number of small parcels imported into the European Union has fallen by 30–40 percent since the measure was introduced.

The French government sees this as proof that stricter rules can change the business practices of major Chinese platforms.

From June to July, sales volumes plunged on Temu by 50 percent and on AliExpress by 37 percent. Shein performed better, with a decline of 15 percent, helped by the opening of a new logistics warehouse in Poland at the end of 2025.

In 2025, 5.9 billion low-cost items entered the European Union — more than 16 million parcels every day. Brussels believes this system gave major foreign platforms an advantage over European retailers, which must comply with the same rules and pay duties when importing goods.

The European Commission has also highlighted safety concerns. According to a study conducted in the EU in 2025, more than 60 percent of low-cost products that were inspected failed to meet European requirements or safety standards. The new rules give customs authorities more opportunities to identify potentially dangerous products.

However, while effective, the measure is not the final step. It is intended to accompany a broader reform of the European Union’s customs system planned for 2028. The next step could come in November, when additional fees may be introduced to help cover the cost of processing parcels.