International transportation
LCL sea freight consolidation
Warehousing services
Operation and transfer services
E-commerce logistics
Customs declaration services
Domesti transportation services
EU to Introduce Transitional Low-Value Parcel Duty in 2026 Ahead of 2028 Customs Reform！
Published:
2025-11-25 11:44
Source:
Vatcalc.com
The EU currently faces challenges from non-EU e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, including under-declared values, parcel splitting, and VAT/customs fraud. Each year, approximately 4.6 billion low-value parcels are delivered directly to EU consumers, most of which originate from China, placing significant pressure on member states’ customs and clearance resources.
To address these issues, France and other member states in May 2025 urged the EU to implement a low-value parcel handling fee, arguing that current rules give unfair advantages to “fast fashion” and low-cost cross-border platforms. Meanwhile, the United States also removed the $800 de minimis threshold for imports from China in May 2025.
Against this backdrop, EU Finance Ministers at the November 2025 ECOFIN meeting agreed that, starting in 2026, parcels valued under €150 imported to EU consumers will be subject to a uniform transitional duty of approximately €2 per parcel. This measure aims to address unilateral fees already applied by some member states and serves as a preparatory step for the full removal of the €150 exemption in 2028.
As part of the 2028 customs reform negotiations, the EU also proposed the “Trust and Check Trader” scheme, allowing registered businesses to benefit from a reduced rate of €0.50 per parcel. However, issues related to revenue allocation, potential WTO risks, and member state disagreements mean the proposal remains under discussion.
Overall, the €2 transitional duty in 2026 represents an important step in strengthening EU customs oversight, preparing the way for the 2028 full removal of the €150 exemption, enhancing fraud prevention, and protecting member states’ fiscal interests.
The new system will make customs clearance more complex and operational timelines tighter for Italy’s logistics sector. Cross-border parcel handling costs will rise, potentially passed on to platforms or consumers. At the same time, the growth of parcels from Shein and Temu may slow, providing opportunities for Italian e-commerce and local logistics networks to benefit, optimize resource planning, and better compete in the market.
Related News
V&V SRL 2026 Spring Dinner Gala
V&V SRL recently hosted its 2026 Spring Dinner Gala, bringing all employees together to look back on the past year’s achievements and outline plans for the year ahead.
V&V Srl
