The European Union Commission has abolished the €150 duty-free allowance for low-value shipments arriving from non-EU countries [1].
This policy shift targets the massive influx of inexpensive goods from global e-commerce platforms. By removing the tax exemption, the EU aims to curb the rising volume of cheap imports that flood the internal market [1], [2].
Under the new regulations, which became effective in July 2024 [2], the previous threshold of €150 per order no longer applies [1]. Instead, the commission has introduced a flat charge of €3 per product group within each package [1]. For example, a shipment containing a T-shirt would incur this specific fee [1].
The move specifically impacts platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which rely on shipping small, low-cost items directly from third-country locations to consumers across all EU member states [1], [4]. These platforms have seen a surge in popularity due to the lack of customs barriers for small parcels.
The scale of the issue is reflected in recent logistics data. Projections indicated that low-value shipments would reach approximately 5.9 billion parcels in 2025 [1]. The EU intends to use these new charges to create a more level playing field for local businesses that do not benefit from such exemptions [2].
Customs officials will now apply these fees to parcels arriving from non-EU territories regardless of the individual item's price. This ensures that the volume of cheap goods is managed through financial deterrents, and standardized taxation [1], [3].
“The EU has abolished the €150 duty-free allowance for low-value shipments from non-EU countries.”
This regulatory change marks a significant pivot in EU trade policy, moving away from a liberal import regime for small parcels toward a protectionist stance. By eliminating the duty-free threshold and adding per-item fees, the EU is effectively increasing the landed cost of ultra-fast-fashion and cheap electronics. This is likely to reduce the competitive advantage of non-EU e-commerce giants and may force a shift in how these companies manage their logistics and pricing within the European market.
