May 21, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The EU Commission is considering a flat fee of up to two euros on packages from non-EU countries to cover monitoring costs. E-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein are particularly affected by the fee.
In light of a rapidly increasing number of packages from non-EU countries, the EU Commission is considering a flat fee of up to two euros on such orders, including those from Temu and Shein. According to a document from the Brussels authority obtained by the Financial Times, this fee is intended to cover increased monitoring costs, among other things. The EU Commission reports that in 2024, around 12 million packages are expected to arrive daily in the EU–significantly more than in the previous two years.
Relentless Package Growth from Temu and Shein
According to Anna Cavazzini, chair of the Internal Market Committee in the EU Parliament, e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein are particularly affected by the fee. “The phenomenon of single packages with the lowest value is new and is growing relentlessly through ultra-cheap marketplaces like Shein and Temu,” said the Green Party politician. The European system of customs and market surveillance was never designed for this.
Temu and Shein–All About Low Prices
Temu is an online marketplace–a portal where numerous companies sell various goods. The Chinese company has been active in Germany since spring 2023 and repeatedly attracts attention with its mini prices and high discounts. Products are often delivered directly from the manufacturer to customers.
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The fashion company Shein, founded in China and now based in Singapore, is both a manufacturer, retailer, and marketplace. As a direct provider, it can quickly respond to fashion trends, according to trade experts. Since Shein ships its products worldwide and has no stores and few inventories, it can keep its prices extremely low.
(With material from dpa.)