Extra fee on non-EU parcels from November

European Union member states will charge an additional 2 euro levy on goods ordered from outside the bloc starting in November.

The charge comes on top of an earlier 3 euro levy introduced this summer. While companies pay the fee directly rather than consumers at checkout, the extra cost is expected to be passed along to shoppers.

Tackling the surge in single orders

Customs authorities have long calculated duties per product group to encourage bulk shipping rather than mixed, individual orders.

With the rise of platforms such as AliExpress, Shein, and Temu, individual parcels arriving from outside the EU surged to more than 1.7 million per day last year. The high volume was partly driven by an exemption that waived levies on packages valued under 150 euros.

Regulators warned last year that the sheer volume of packages had become difficult to inspect. Subsequent sample checks revealed that many items failed to comply with European regulations.

Funding inspections and staff

Since the initial duty was introduced this summer, the parcel volume has fallen by roughly 75% compared to last year.

State Secretary for Taxation Eerenberg noted that parcel flows remain large enough to require further action.

The upcoming 2 euro fee serves as a handling charge to pay for inspection costs and hire additional staff, while encouraging retailers to ship goods in bulk.

Source: NOS