EU to Accelerate Customs Duties on Imports, Primarily Targeting Chinese Parcels
Brussels – European Union finance ministers are speeding up the implementation of customs duties on small parcels arriving from outside the EU, a move largely aimed at addressing concerns over unfair competition and product safety, notably regarding goods originating from China. The change, initially slated for 2028, will now take effect in 2026.
Currently, imports valued under €150 are exempt from import duties. Though, EU officials argue this exemption creates an uneven playing field for European businesses and contributes to environmental issues, as well as allowing potentially dangerous or non-compliant products to enter the market unchecked.The new rules will apply a levy of up to 17 percent to these goods.
According to the EU, a significant majority - 91 percent – of all orders from outside the EU valued under €150 in 2024 came from China. ”Millions and millions of packages arrive in the Netherlands. We cannot check them all. There is also, we have to be honest, junk in there. We have to get a grip on that together,” stated outgoing Dutch Minister of Finance Eelco Heinen.
The decision follows warnings from Dutch regulators who previously stated it had become “impractical” to adequately inspect all incoming packages, leading to a surge of dangerous, toxic, and unsustainable products being sold within the EU, particularly from platforms like Temu and Shein.
Revenue generated from the new tax will be reinvested into strengthening customs controls. EU officials estimate that over 65 percent of small parcels entering the EU are currently undervalued to avoid existing taxes. The accelerated timeline reflects a growing urgency to address these issues and ensure a more level playing field for European businesses while protecting consumer safety.
