The European Union abolishes customs exemption under 150 euros, hitting the flow of mini-parcels from China and the boom in Temu and Shein. Duties, new tariffs and stricter controls are coming from 2026: possible increases for consumers and more protection for European trade.
The European Union accelerates its crackdown on mini-parcels coming from non-EU countries. Ecofin has given the political green light to the abolition of the customs exemption for goods under 150 euros, today the privileged channel of the Asian e-commerce boom. A crackdown strongly supported by Italy, which aims to bring forward its entry into force to 2026, two years before the date set by the European customs reform.
Why the EU introduces duties on parcels under 150 euros
In 2024, 4.6 billion items under 150 euros entered the EU, 91% coming from China. A river of daily shipments, around 12 million parcels a day, fueled above all by platforms such as Temu and Shein, capable of sending products at very low prices thanks to the exemption that exempted them from customs duties. According to the European Commission, up to 65% of small value parcels are undervalued to avoid tariffs and controls. A distortion which, according to European governments, has fueled unfair competition towards EU shops and retailers, as well as generating massive tax evasion on VAT and duties. “A positive agreement: the phenomenon of small non-EU parcels is destroying the retail trade”, commented the Italian Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti
What changes from 2026 and how the new customs system for mini-parcels will work
The abolition of the exemption has been approved, but the operating methods, timing and nature of the instrument remain to be defined: tax, duty or hybrid system. The complete customs reform will only come into force in 2028, when the new European Data Hub, designed to automatically verify customs values and declarations, will be ready. For this reason, Ecofin is aiming for a transitional regime as early as 2026, with “bridge” measures such as: average tariffs on low-value parcels; possible management tax (already assumed by Romania and Poland); simplified but more stringent customs controls; Commission checks on compatibility with WTO rules. Member States will also have to establish how to divide the revenue: ordinary duties currently go to 75% to the EU budget and 25% to the States, but the mechanism could vary for the transitional phase. The political objective is clear: strengthen the competitiveness of European businesses, curb the invasion of low-cost mini-parcels and ensure that duties are paid for every euro collected.
What changes for consumers with the introduction of duties on mini-packages
The new rules will also have a direct impact on consumers: low-priced non-EU purchases will no longer enter the Union without charges. Clothes, electronics and low-cost items ordered on Asian marketplaces could therefore become more expensive or require longer delivery times, having to pass through stricter customs controls. However, the measure should also guarantee greater safety and traceability of goods, and put an end to the widespread undervaluation of parcels to avoid duties. Ecofin will return to the topic on 12 December, to define the architecture of the new system and establish the details of the transition.
