EU Imposes 3-Euro Fee per Product Category on Small Parcels from July 1

The European Union will begin charging a 3-euro fee per product category on small parcels valued under 150 euros from outside the bloc, starting July 1, 2026. The measure targets the surge of low-cost imports from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which have seen parcel volumes quadruple since 2022 to 5.9 billion in 2025 Source: infobae.

How It Works

• The fee applies per product category (determined by TARIC codes), not per parcel. For example, a package with a cotton shirt and a polyester shirt counts as two categories, incurring 6 euros Source: elespanol.
• The tax is temporary until 2028, when a broader customs reform will replace it with standard tariffs Source: infobae.
• Platforms are responsible for paying the fee but may pass it on to consumers. BEUC warns that delivery companies cannot charge recipients directly Source: infobae.

Consumer Impact

Consumers may see higher prices, but platforms must display the final price before checkout. However, elespanol reports a second fee of 2–4 euros per category for customs management expected from November 2026, which could further increase costs. The EU emphasizes fair competition, as European retailers already pay taxes Source: elespanol.