The European Union has decided to implement customs charges on imports from China for purchases from low-cost platforms like Shein and Temu. Starting this summer, tariffs of up to €3 per package will apply. Specifically, from July 1st, packages valued under €150 entering the EU will be subject to tariffs. From July 1st, 2026, the tariff will be imposed on each different category of goods, determined by their customs subcategories, contained in a single package. The new rules address the fact that such packages currently enter the EU duty-free, leading to unfair competition for EU sellers.
How charges translate into tariffs
According to the Commission, the volume of small packages reaching the EU has doubled every year since 2022. In 2024, 4.6 billion such packages entered the EU market. 91% of small shipments originate from China. The tariff will burden each category of item in the small package, which in practice means that, for example, if a shipment includes one silk shirt and two wool shirts, they will be considered two subcategories and an additional charge of €6 will be imposed on that package.
Example:
A package contains 1 silk shirt and 2 wool shirts. Therefore, due to their different customs subcategories, the package contains two different types of goods and €6 in tariffs must be paid.
