The new rules apply to packages sent by businesses to individual consumers (B2C). Private shipments between individuals (C2C) are not affected by these changes. The measure effectively marks the beginning of the end of the duty-free import regime, which for decades has allowed online marketplaces to import goods without additional costs.
According to Euronews, the amount of the fee depends not on the purchase price or the number of identical items, but on the number of different product categories in a single package. For example, if a buyer orders five identical T-shirts, the fee will be 3 euros. However, if the shipment contains a T-shirt, a book, and a mug, the buyer will have to pay 9 euros—3 euros for each product category.
Brussels attributes this change to the rapid growth in the number of low-cost packages from third countries, primarily through international marketplaces. The duty-free exemption for small shipments has been in place for many years, and the current threshold of 150 euros was set back in 2008. However, volumes have risen sharply: while approximately 1.4 billion packages entered the EU under this regime in 2022, that number is projected to reach 5.8 billion by 2025.
At the same time, according to the European Commission, some of these shipments do not meet European safety standards or are processed in violation of customs regulations.
The new fee is intended to ensure a more level playing field for European sellers, strengthen import controls, and reduce instances of customs fraud.
The measure is temporary. It will remain in effect until the launch of a new pan-European customs clearance system, which is set to be implemented as part of a large-scale reform of EU customs legislation.
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