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Do you often order from Shein or Temu? You will soon have to pay much more!
From 1 July 2026, the European Union will introduce a EUR 3 customs fee (around HUF 1,200) on low-value parcels arriving from outside the bloc. EU finance ministers reached the agreement on Friday. The measure aims to curb the flood of ultra-cheap Chinese e-commerce goods – such as items ordered from Shein and Temu – and to better protect the health and safety of EU consumers.
Why is the new fee necessary?
Due to the rapid growth of online shopping in recent years, the “de minimis” rule – which exempts imported goods worth under €150 from customs duties – has become increasingly problematic. The number of duty-free parcels has surged dramatically: while 1.4 billion low-value shipments entered the EU in 2022, this rose to 2.3 billion in 2023 and to 4.6 billion in 2024. According to Telex, citing Reuters, 91% of these packages came from China.
The sheer volume poses a major challenge for customs authorities. The Council of the EU notes that importers frequently undervalue shipments to avoid paying duties, while the European Commission warns that unsafe or non-compliant products can easily slip through, posing potential health risks.
Hungary’s role in the e-commerce boom
In recent years, Hungary has become a regional distribution hub for Chinese e-commerce shipments. According to data from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), a record number of parcels arriving from outside the EU passed through Hungary this year, with a significant portion continuing to other EU member states.
Instead of picking the European peoples’ pockets yet more, how about EUrogarbage abolish the endless regulations that stifle productivity so that industrious Europeans start producing stuff again AND are able to compete with the likes of China?
Thought not.
yEUck!
@michaelsteiner – we cannot. That is the problem. If even Mr. Trump and his sons are unable to do it in the Great US of A – what are our chances?
https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/843498/trump-phone
Having said – the UK can now abolish all those pesky rules and regulations! Another Brexit Benefit – which they for some inexplicable reason are not using? Oh wait. Rules and regulations actually serve a purpose? For example, I always appreciated Lead compounds and solvents in paints, however … They are certified health hazards. Long and painful death, that sort of thing?