EU parcel fees could raise €6 billion – Reuters

European Union charges on low-value e-commerce parcels could raise €6 billion ($6.8bn) a year for the EU budget from 2028 to 2034, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters.

The estimate covers fees affecting platforms including Shein and Temu. The Commission expects 90% of revenue to go to the EU budget and 10% to member states, although budget negotiations could alter the split.

Starting yesterday, the EU applies a €2 ($2.25) handling fee per item on goods imported from outside the bloc. It follows a temporary €3 ($3.38) customs duty on low-value parcels introduced on 1st July.

Some 5.8 billion parcels worth under €150 ($169) entered the EU last year, up 26% year on year. The Commission estimates most were undervalued to avoid duties.

The handling fee is intended to cover customs processing costs, including data checks, risk analysis and controls.

Dirk Gotink, European Parliament lawmaker leading the bloc’s customs reforms, said the fee targets “a highly toxic business model of low value non-compliant e-commerce imports from China”.