Customs controls across the European Union are set to tighten from early 2026, as the long-standing exemption for parcels valued under €150 is abolished. Every package arriving from a third country, even very low-value items that today pass through unchecked, will enter normal customs procedures with duties and extra charges. The decision was approved by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) with full support from Greece, framed as necessary for transparency, revenue protection and fair competition.
What changes for businesses and consumers
With the exemption gone, both companies and shoppers will need to reassess costs and benefits. Athens argues the measure corrects distortions created by the e-commerce boom and restores balance between consumers, domestic retail and public finances.
The expected benefits include reducing unfair competition from foreign platforms, higher tax yields, improved product safety oversight and environmental gains by curbing ultra-cheap, low-quality imports.
The downsides include price increases on very cheap items from third countries, potential strain on lower-income households, possible customs delays, new processes and costs for postal and courier operators, and a per-parcel handling fee that is expected to start at about €2.
Finance ministers agreed to fully remove the small-parcel threshold and to bring implementation forward from 2028 to 2026. A transitional phase will introduce a simplified intake so all parcels enter a basic control flow. From 2028 a new digital system will go live to clear purchases electronically from non-EU online shops.
Member states must submit implementation plans by 12 December. The aim is to switch on the new customs architecture in 2026 without creating bottlenecks as the millions of parcels that currently avoid duties enter formal processing.
What it means for consumers
Every imported parcel, regardless of value, will face customs duties. Together with value-added tax (VAT), which platforms already pre-collect, final prices will rise and today’s ultra-low offers will look less attractive. A separate handling fee of around €2 per parcel is also envisaged and is expected to start applying after mid-2026.
How Temu, Shein and Trendyol are affected
Ultra-low-cost platforms that rely on rock-bottom prices and free shipping will lose a key advantage. For years they benefited from the €150 threshold and under-declaration practices. From 2026, parcels will attract duties and fees, and companies are likely to adjust shipping and returns policies. Tighter customs checks may also introduce delays and raise the platforms’ operating costs.
Price gaps should narrow as EU retailers that follow strict standards and pay duties no longer compete against Asian platforms that avoided most charges until now. The market, in theory, rebalances toward compliant operators.
Why the regime is changing
The surge in small parcels from third-country platforms eroded member-state revenues and skewed competition against European industry and retail. The EU is seeking better quality control, truthful declared values and a brake on fast-fashion dynamics that harm the environment.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said all parcels will now undergo normal checks, strengthening fair competition and consumer protection. Officials note that up to two thirds of small parcels are under-declared and that ending the exemption is the only effective remedy.
Source: AMNA