European authorities are considering making foreign e-commerce parcels more expensive. A €2 handling fee per imported parcel is under discussion. Why has this measure been proposed? Who would be affected? And most importantly – what should online retailers and logistics providers prepare for?
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READ MORE : Why Your Online Orders from China May Soon Cost More
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What exactly is being proposed?
The European Commission has circulated an informal “non-paper” proposing the introduction of a €2 handling fee on all parcels imported into the EU from non-EU countries.
The goal: to cover the rising administrative and operational costs of processing the growing volume of low-value online orders.
This fee would not replace customs duties or VAT – it would be charged in addition to existing fees but would not be legally classified as part of the customs debt. It would be collected at the point of customs clearance, directly by national customs authorities.
Why this fee?
With the exponential growth of cross-border e-commerce, particularly from China, European customs agencies are seeing a surge in low-value shipments (typically under €150).
Each parcel requires:
- customs checks,
- specific logistical handling,
- and compliance with safety and health regulations.
Yet these shipments generate little revenue, especially after the removal of the VAT exemption on low-value imports in July 2021.
The €2 fee is designed to compensate customs authorities for the extra burden these small parcels create.
Who would be affected?
The fee would apply to all parcels imported from outside the EU, except for those handled by certified “Trust and Check Traders” operating customs warehouses dedicated to distance selling.
These trusted operators would benefit from a reduced rate of €0.50 per item.
In practice:
- Platforms such as Temu, AliExpress or Shein would be directly impacted.
- European marketplaces importing from outside the EU would need to incorporate the fee.
- Couriers and logistics providers would need to adjust their pricing models accordingly.
What are the next steps?
The proposal must still be approved by EU Member States and the European Parliament. It forms part of the wider overhaul of the Union Customs Code (UCC), which is currently being revised.
Additionally, the European Commission announced in February 2024 its intention to remove the duty-free threshold of €150, but not before 2028. The proposed handling fee is seen as a transitional measure.
What are the implications for online sellers?
- Increased import costs
A low-value order could suddenly incur fees (e.g. €2 + VAT) that render it unprofitable. - Potential decline in volumes from non-EU markets
Cross-border e-commerce involving inexpensive goods could become less viable. - Need for logistical and pricing adjustments
Sellers will need to account for the new fee in their pricing and checkout processes. - Competitive advantage for trusted operators
The “Trust and Check” status could become a key strategic asset for controlling costs.
At MyDutyCollect, we support businesses in navigating these complex regulations by offering automated customs clearance, precise duty and tax calculation, and compliance solutions. As trade regulations evolve, having the right tools in place can make all the difference.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can assist your cross-border operations. Subscribe to our blog and visit our website and LinkedIn page for more updates. You can also contact us by sending a message to info@mydutycollect.com. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
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