Starting July 1, the European Union has implemented a mandatory 3-euro fixed customs duty on small-value parcels imported from outside the bloc. According to the Bulgarian Customs Agency, this regulation targets low-cost goods valued up to 150 euros, aiming to curb the practice of splitting large orders into multiple smaller packages to bypass standard taxation. Platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress are now required to manage these collections through the EU’s Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system.
How the new customs duty affects your online shopping
The 3-euro duty applies to each individual item category within a single shipment, based on the EU’s Combined Nomenclature. For example, if a package contains five t-shirts, three pairs of socks, and a keychain, the recipient faces a 9-euro total charge—3 euros for each distinct item type. Customs officials note that this administrative burden falls on the platforms, meaning consumers should see the final price, including VAT and the new duty, at the point of checkout on sites like Temu or Shein.
Why is the EU targeting low-value imports?
This measure serves as a response to pressure from European manufacturers and retailers who argue that cheap imports create an uneven playing field. Data from the Bulgarian Customs Agency confirms the policy is a temporary stopgap until the launch of the EU Customs Data Hub, currently scheduled for July 1, 2028. Once the Data Hub is active, the EU intends to move away from fixed fees toward a standardized percentage-based tariff system for all non-EU imports to better manage the high volume of e-commerce traffic.
What could change in future customs regulations?
Beyond the current 3-euro levy, authorities in Brussels are actively discussing an additional 2-euro processing fee for customs administration on non-EU shipments. This potential surcharge would be separate from the existing duty. While the 150-euro threshold currently remains the cutoff for standard customs procedures, the ongoing shift suggests a broader trend toward more rigorous oversight of remote sales and digital marketplace imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 3-euro duty apply to all orders?
No. It applies specifically to parcels valued up to 150 euros. Orders exceeding this threshold continue to follow existing, pre-July 1 standard customs procedures and percentage-based tariff rates.
Who is responsible for paying the duty?
Platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress are registered with the EU’s IOSS system. They are responsible for calculating, collecting, and remitting the duty, ensuring the consumer pays a final, inclusive price.
Will shipping times change because of these checks?
While the goal is to streamline the flow of low-value goods, the increased administrative requirements for customs declarations may lead to variations in processing speeds at distribution hubs. The EU expects the future Customs Data Hub to eventually stabilize these logistics.
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