EU Commission calls for faster implementation of duties on Chinese online orders

The European Commission (EC) has urged EU finance ministers to introduce a Europe-wide handling fee on parcels from Chinese online platforms two years ahead of schedule, starting in the first quarter of 2026. The call was made in a letter from EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, reviewed by the Financial Times.

The Commission argues that accelerated implementation of the fee would protect European retailers from unfair competition and represents an important step to strengthen the European Union’s position amid rapidly changing trade realities.

EU member states are expected to agree on the new timeline and discuss a fixed customs duty rate. Previously, the Commission proposed removing the €150 threshold for customs duties on goods and introducing a €2 fee per parcel starting in mid-2028.

In 2024, the EU received 4.6 billion parcels exempt from customs duties, with Chinese platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress accounting for 80% of these shipments.

By Vugar Khalilov