The European Union's €2 handling fee targets a massive surge in non-EU imports after nearly six billion small packages entered the bloc in 2025. Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and AliExpress accounted for 93 percent of those inexpensive shipments, severely straining administrative resources. Customs data revealed that an initial €3 duty introduced over the summer already coincided with an estimated 64 percent drop in import volumes. This new handling fee is designed as a permanent fixture subject to biennial operational reviews.
Key points
The newly introduced two-euro handling fee is a permanent regulation that authorities wil…: The newly introduced two-euro handling fee is a permanent regulation that authorities will reassess every two years.
The temporary three-euro duty on parcels valued under €150 will remain active until the b…: The temporary three-euro duty on parcels valued under €150 will remain active until the bloc adopts standard tariffs in 2028.
Consumer advocates warn that foreign retail platforms may illegally add the handling cost…: Consumer advocates warn that foreign retail platforms may illegally add the handling costs to final consumer purchases instead of displaying them upfront.
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The European Union slapped a €2 (US$2.24) handling fee on packages from outside the 27-nation bloc on Nov 1 in a bid to curb the influx from China.
BRUSSELS: The European Union slapped a €2 (US$2.24) handling fee on packages from outside the 27-nation bloc on Nov 1 in a bid to curb the influx from China.
The new levy - coming just weeks before the Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas season shopping rushes - will be on top of the EU’s three-euro fee on small parcels.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
The fee will apply to each type of item in a package sent directly to consumers from outside the EU, regardless of the parcel’s value.
For example, if there are 10 T-shirts in a package, the handling fee will be €2. But if a package contains two hats and 10 T-shirts, the fee will be €4.
The handling fee comes on top of the €3 duty imposed in July on small packages worth less than €150.
European consumers are not expected to pay the handling fee, insists the…
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