The European Union is preparing to introduce a new fee of €2 to €3 per package for low-cost items ordered online from non-EU countries, especially China. The fee will apply to shipments under €150, which are currently exempt from customs duties. The measure targets platforms like Shein, Temu, and Trendyol, which send billions of parcels to Europe annually.

What the EU Commission is proposing:

• A flat handling fee of €2 or more per parcel, regardless of item value.
• Potential customs duties from the very first euro, removing the current €150 exemption.
• The platforms will be charged directly, but they may pass the cost on to consumers.
• For example: a €20 order might end up costing €22 or more, especially if shipped in multiple packages.

A new EU-wide customs platform will:

• Register foreign sellers
• Ensure that imported goods meet EU safety and environmental standards (ISO, CE, etc.)
• Collect applicable taxes before products are shipped to EU consumers
  Non-compliant or substandard products could be blocked entirely or taxed heavily, making them less attractive than European alternatives.

The EU is also considering a 3%–5% digital services tax on ad and subscription revenues of tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Netflix. This tax would target profits generated in Europe that currently go largely untaxed.

These changes are expected to roll out in the second half of 2025, with Greece playing an active role in shaping the final policy.