EU cuts cheap parcel volume to curb Chinese e-commerce
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The European Union reduced the number of low-value parcels entering the region by nearly half after implementing a €3 flat fee on shipments from outside the EU.
Dutch and Belgian customs data show a decrease of 46% and 53% respectively in small parcels since July 1, with the two countries handling almost half of all such imports.
EU policymakers introduced the fee to address the increasing dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms, which flooded the single market with €4.6 billion in low-value items during 2024, an average of 12 million parcels daily. However, customs officials in the Netherlands observed that companies are changing their practices, now importing goods in bulk and storing them within the EU to resell to consumers. This shift prompted further investigation into whether the decrease in parcels accurately reflects a reduction in overall trade.
The EU is also preparing a broader customs reform to modernise its systems. This reform will establish a central data hub in Lille, France, to track imports more effectively and improve risk-based checks. The European Customs Authority in Lille is expected to be fully operational by 2028, giving authorities the tools to protect businesses and consumers and address the entrance of illegal or dangerous products, studies have found concerning chemicals in over 60% of clothing items.
