Brussels, 1 November – Brussels Morning Newspaper – The European Union has introduced a new €2 handling charge on e-commerce goods shipped from outside the bloc, as the EU parcel fee takes effect across all 27 member states on Sunday. The measure is intended to cover customs processing costs, strengthen oversight of imported products and address the rapid growth of low-cost online shopping.
The charge applies to goods ordered from non-EU sellers, including purchases through international platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. It follows the introduction of a separate €3 customs duty on qualifying low-value imports in July 2026.
How the New €2 EU Parcel Fee Works
Under the new rules, the €2 charge is calculated according to distinct categories of goods declared in a shipment, rather than simply the number of individual products.
For example, a parcel containing ten identical T-shirts would attract a €2 handling charge. A shipment containing T-shirts and hats would incur €4 because it includes two different product categories.
Unlike the temporary €3 customs duty, which applies to qualifying goods valued at no more than €150, the handling fee applies regardless of the shipment’s value.
The two charges operate separately. Eligible low-value imports can therefore attract both the €2 handling fee and the €3 customs duty, in addition to any applicable VAT.
Why Brussels Introduced the New Import Charge
European authorities have become increasingly concerned about the volume of inexpensive goods entering the single market through international e-commerce platforms.
According to the Council of the European Union, approximately 4.6 billion small e-commerce parcels entered the bloc in 2024, with 91% originating from China.
The rapid growth has placed pressure on customs authorities responsible for inspecting shipments, collecting duties and checking compliance with European product safety standards.
The European Commission says the additional handling charge will help compensate authorities for the administrative and inspection costs associated with these imports.
Brussels also argues that customs reform will improve competition between European retailers and overseas sellers operating under different import arrangements.
European Consumer Groups Raise Concerns
The European Union expects online marketplaces, sellers and logistics operators to meet the new customs obligations rather than requiring consumers to pay the handling charge directly.
However, businesses may incorporate the additional expense into product prices.
The European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, has warned that shoppers must not encounter unexpected charges during the final stages of an online purchase.
BEUC’s Agustin Reyna also highlighted the pressure created by the rapid expansion of small shipments, saying customs authorities have faced increasing responsibilities while operating with limited resources.
Consumer organisations maintain that transparent pricing remains essential as the new arrangements take effect.
What the Changes Mean for European Retailers
The EU parcel fee could affect the pricing strategies of international online marketplaces, particularly those relying on inexpensive products shipped individually to European customers.
European retailers may benefit from changes designed to reduce differences in customs treatment between direct imports and goods brought into the EU through traditional commercial channels.
For consumers, the immediate impact will depend on how sellers and delivery companies manage the additional charges.
The measures also affect British businesses exporting directly to EU customers, with UK government guidance advising traders to review their shipping arrangements and consult logistics providers.
What Happens Next for EU Customs Reform?
The €2 handling charge is intended to remain in place, although its amount must be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains proportionate to customs processing costs.
The separate €3 duty is temporary and is scheduled to be replaced by standard product-specific customs tariffs from July 2028.
The wider customs reform programme will also introduce new digital systems and strengthen responsibilities for online marketplaces.
For now, the latest change marks another significant step in Brussels’ efforts to regulate international e-commerce, protect consumers and modernise customs enforcement across the European single market.
