The volume of low-value parcels entering the EU has dropped by nearly half since the introduction of a flat €3 fee. The measure is part of a broader effort by the European Union to curb the dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms.
According to customs authorities in the Netherlands and Belgium, the number of small parcels valued at less than €150 has fallen by nearly 50% since July 1, when the EU implemented the €3 flat fee on such shipments. In Belgium, the volume of these parcels decreased by 53% compared to the previous year, while the Netherlands customs service recorded a 46% decline, specifically regarding shipments from China. These two countries account for nearly 50% of all low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc.
Companies may be shifting import strategies
At the same time, the Netherlands customs service noted that the decline in parcel volume may be linked to companies changing their operational methods following the fee’s introduction. According to the agency, more companies appear to be opting for bulk imports and storing goods within the EU to sell them to consumers locally. The customs service plans to investigate this situation further.
The temporary fee was introduced after European policymakers raised concerns over the dominance of Chinese e-commerce in Europe, which led to a surge in the number of low-value parcels entering the single market.
According to the European Commission, approximately €4.6 billion worth of low-value goods were imported into the EU in 2024—averaging about 12 million parcels per day. For comparison, the value of such imports was €2.3 billion in 2023 and €1.4 billion in 2022.
The sheer volume of parcels and the fragmented nature of the European customs system make it difficult to properly monitor these goods. This, in particular, increases the risk of illegal products entering the European market.
A peer-reviewed laboratory study from 2025, published in the scientific journal Contact Dermatitis, analyzed 111 clothing items in Italy and other EU countries. Researchers found that 63% of them contained chemicals that could cause cancer, disrupt the endocrine system, or trigger sensitization. Similar results were previously released by Greenpeace and the European Consumer Organisation.
EU customs system reform
Dutch Member of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink, who is responsible for customs reform on behalf of the European Parliament, told Euronews that “the temporary €3 duty, which has been in effect since July 1, has already significantly reduced the flow of parcels, but we have not yet reached our goal.”
According to Dirk Gotink, the new legislation should provide European and national customs authorities with the tools to more effectively protect businesses and consumers. The reform also includes modernizing the customs system, specifically by creating a single central data hub, the European Customs Authority in Lille, increasing risk-based inspections, and fostering closer cooperation between customs agencies.
The overall EU customs reform is intended to make it easier to track goods entering from outside the European Union. As part of the reform, a center will be established in Lille where customs data will be collected and analyzed. The new European Customs Authority is expected to be operational by 2028.
Source: Euronews
