In effect since July 1st, the €3-per-item fee on small parcels entering Greece via e-commerce platforms from third countries is already showing results, with the ESEE — the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship — describing the initial indicators as particularly encouraging.
According to early market assessments, as stated in the confederation’s announcement, a noticeable slowdown has been observed in the flow of small parcels, suggesting that the measure is moving in the right direction and helping to restore fairer competition conditions for Greek retail. Official data from the relevant authorities is expected in the coming period and will allow for a full assessment of the measure’s effectiveness.
€3 fee on small parcels: Early signs are positive
This development, the announcement emphasizes, confirms ESEE’s longstanding position on the need for substantive measures to address the distortions caused by the uncontrolled influx of small parcels from third countries — where issues of compliance with European safety standards, labelling requirements, and tax fairness frequently arise.
For ESEE, the success of the measure is not reflected in numbers alone. Above all, it is reflected in the ability of Greek small and medium-sized retail businesses to operate in a level playing field. Every order placed through the organized Greek market supports employment, boosts public revenues, and creates added value for the Greek economy.
Furthermore, the implementation of this measure highlights the urgent need for the European Union to move without delay on the adoption of the further interventions it has already proposed for more effective management of small parcels entering from third countries. The introduction of a European handling fee would strengthen customs controls and allow competent authorities to have a clearer picture of the origin, safety, and compliance of products entering the European market.
ESEE considers it essential to accelerate the abolition of the de minimis regime — the current exemption that applies to shipments valued at up to €150 — in order to ensure a stable and genuinely level competitive framework for all businesses operating in the European market. Toward this goal, it will continue to closely monitor developments, evaluate available data, and submit evidence-based proposals aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Greek commerce and ensuring a fair rulebook for all.
Kafounis: “The €3 fee is acting as a deterrent for a portion of small parcel imports“
ESEE President Stavros Kafounis stated: “The early signs from the implementation of the measure are positive and show that the direction of the intervention is the right one. It is still too early for definitive conclusions, however it appears that the €3 fee is acting as a deterrent for a portion of small parcels entering from third countries, contributing to the restoration of fairer competition conditions.
Our goal is not to restrict e-commerce. Our goal is for everyone operating in the market to function under the same rules, the same obligations, and the same safety and compliance standards.
Greece has taken an important first step. Now the European Union must move immediately on the next interventions — through the implementation of the European handling fee and the acceleration of the abolition of the de minimis regime. Only then will a permanent and truly fair competitive framework be established for Greek and European commerce.”
Source: ANA-MPA
