EU Slaps €3 Fee on Small Parcels From China Starting July 1

The Local Spain—The European Union began imposing a €3 handling fee on cheap small parcels entering the bloc on July 1, targeting the surge in low-value packages shipped mainly from Chinese e-commerce platforms. The fee applies to all 27 EU member states and is intended to level the playing field for European retailers who must collect VAT and comply with product safety rules that foreign online sellers often bypass. Shoppers who regularly buy from platforms like Temu or Shein will see new charges at checkout or upon delivery. The policy shift follows similar moves in the U.S. and UK to close the so-called de minimis loophole.

• The Local Spain — A guide explains what EU consumers and businesses should expect when the small parcel fee takes effect July 1.
• The Local Germany — A guide explains what online shoppers and businesses in the EU should expect when the small parcel fee starts July 1.
• The Local Sweden — EU imposing a €3 duty on cheap parcels entering the bloc, mostly from China, starting July 1
• The Local Italy — A consumer guide explains the new EU small parcel import fee and what shoppers should expect starting July 1.
• The Local France — A guide helps EU residents understand the new small parcel import fee taking effect across the bloc on July 1.
• Expats.cz (Prague) — Czech online shoppers among those facing new costs when ordering from foreign low-value platforms