July 1, 2026, 8:04 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The EU is ending the 150-euro customs exemption. Starting July 1, 2026, even low-cost orders from non-EU countries will incur a flat fee. Since most of these shipments come from China, customers of platforms such as Temu, Shein, or AliExpress are likely to feel the changes.
Previously, if the value of goods was under 150 euros, no customs fees were applied. This rule made orders from providers like Temu, Shein, or AliExpress particularly attractive. Combined with low shipping costs, many products from the Far East were significantly cheaper than comparable goods in European markets. The EU now aims to change this.
Three Euros per Product Category
From now on, shipments with a value of up to 150 euros will incur a flat fee of three euros per product category. Multiple items in the same category will only be charged once. However, if a shipment contains products from different categories, the fee will be applied multiple times.
For example, if a delivery includes a pair of pants and a pen, six euros will be due, as both items belong to different product categories. Sellers or their representatives are expected to handle import duties before importation. If not, buyers may have to pay the fees upon import. Depending on the courier service or national regulations, additional processing fees may apply.
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Transitional Solution Until 2028
The new flat-rate rule is initially a transitional model. By 2028, the EU plans to implement a digital customs system that will centrally record and regularly tax all imports, regardless of value. This would permanently eliminate the current exemption for small shipments.
According to the EU Commission, around 4.6 billion small shipments reached the European market in 2024, about 91 percent of which came from China. Revenue from the new regulation will flow into both the EU budget and the budgets of member states.
Also of interest: Temu Returns – These Hidden Costs Threaten When Returning Items
What Now Applies
The new regulation generally affects all shipments from non-EU countries with a value of up to 150 euros–not just orders from China. Although the majority of affected small shipments come from China, the rules apply regardless of the country of origin.
According to the EU, the reform aims to create fairer competition conditions between European and non-European retailers and improve the control of imported goods. This is partly in response to criticism from European retailers about the strong price pressure from platforms like Temu and Shein.
It is already clear: The price advantage of many non-European online shops is likely to shrink significantly in the coming years.