Drop in small parcel imports follows new fee

The number of small parcels sent from outside the European Union to the Netherlands fell 46% across July and August compared to the average of the previous six months.

The drop follows an EU-wide rule introduced on 1 July that requires consumers, importers, or exporters to pay a 3 euro import levy on small packages valued at 150 euros or less.

Shift toward bulk shipments

Customs officials report that foreign online retailers are adapting by importing goods in bulk instead of mailing individual parcels directly to buyers.

These products are stored in warehouses within the EU and distributed to consumers from there, a trend also seen in France and Belgium.

The change makes safety inspections easier, as authorities find it simpler to check full shipping containers than thousands of separate packages.

Revenue for the treasury

The 3 euro charge generated about 35 million euros in additional revenue for the Dutch government in a single month.

Larger shipments exceeding 150 euros were already subject to import duties prior to the July rule change.

Source: NOS