The European Union (EU) has decided to impose itemized handling fees on packages from overseas direct purchases, targeting China amid ongoing trade tensions.
According to reports from AFP and the South China Morning Post on October 27, the EU will implement this measure starting November 1, ahead of major shopping events such as China's Singles' Day (November 11) and Black Friday in the United States (November 27).
The fees will be applied based on the types of items included in a package, regardless of the total value. For example, if a package contains five hats and ten T-shirts, a fee of 4 euros (approximately $5.92) will be charged.
This fee will be in addition to the 3-euro (approximately $4.44) customs duty that the EU has been charging on low-value packages under 150 euros (approximately $222) since July. The EU noted that the introduction of the 3-euro duty has led to a reduction of about 64% in related package deliveries.
The 3-euro duty is a temporary measure set to last for two years, while the 2-euro fee will be a permanent charge. The 3-euro duty is scheduled to remain in effect until July 1, 2028, after which standard product-specific tariffs will apply.
The EU aims to cover the increased customs and inspection costs associated with the surge in e-commerce packages. According to the European Commission, the number of low-cost e-commerce items entering the EU reached 5.9 billion last year, quadrupling from 2022.
The EU has emphasized the need for stricter customs management due to the increased burden on customs operations and the influx of products that do not meet regional safety standards.
Notably, the new fees will not only apply to Chinese products but will target packages shipped directly to consumers from outside the EU, affecting goods from all non-member countries, including China.
However, since a significant portion of low-cost packages entering the EU originates from China, the actual impact is expected to be concentrated on Chinese e-commerce platforms.
According to AFP, approximately 93% of the 5.9 billion low-value packages delivered to the EU last year came from China.
The EU has stated that platforms and sellers will bear the costs, but there are concerns that these fees could be passed on to consumers through higher product or shipping prices.
According to Yonhap News, Zhen Junbo, head of the China-Europe Relations Research Center at Fudan University, criticized the measure as a clear protectionist action disguised as 'customs costs,' targeting Chinese platforms. He pointed out that the fees could increase consumer burdens, particularly affecting low-income groups.
The EU and China continue to face trade tensions over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and trade imbalances. As the EU remains cautious about the influx of low-cost Chinese products, China has criticized these actions as protectionist. The imposition of package fees is seen as an extension of the trade conflict into the e-commerce sector.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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