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Imports of Cheap E-commerce Parcels to EU Increased by 26%

Published January 26, 2026, 19:11
Imports of Cheap E-commerce Parcels to EU Increased by 26%

The number of low-value e-commerce parcels entering the European Union increased by 26% in 2023 to 5.8 billion, according to the European Commission. This increase is partly due to the exemption from customs duties for parcels worth less than 150 euros, which has boosted platforms like Temu and Shein. The EU plans to impose a temporary fee of 3 euros on low-value parcels from July 1st, until a final agreement is reached to abolish the duty exemption. The European Commission estimates that around 65% of small parcels entering the EU are undervalued to avoid customs duties, while also identifying risks to consumers and potential impacts on European industries. The majority of parcels originate from China.