EU Parliament Proposes EUR2 Fee to Curb Package Surge from Online Retailers

The European Parliament has taken a significant step in addressing the overwhelming influx of low-cost packages entering Europe by proposing a flat processing fee of EUR2 for items imported from non-EU countries. This decision comes as authorities strive to manage the increasing number of parcels, which currently amounts to approximately twelve million arrivals daily.

During a recent plenary session in Strasbourg, a majority of parliamentarians supported the European Commission's proposal while highlighting the need to assess whether the fee would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the EU. The proposed measures also include the elimination of the current customs exemption for goods valued at less than EUR150, aimed at streamlining the import process and reducing the number of individual packages entering the market.

Moreover, the Parliament is advocating for incentives that would encourage non-EU retailers, particularly large platforms like Shein and Temu, to establish warehouses within the EU. This initiative is designed to facilitate the processing of customer deliveries in a more consolidated manner, thereby alleviating the burden on European customs authorities.

Katarina Barley, the Vice-President of the European Parliament, indicated that the proposed measures are crucial for enhancing the capability of customs officials to uphold safety standards in light of the substantial volume of incoming packages. Current evaluations suggest that a staggering 90% of sampled products fail to comply with EU safety regulations, raising concerns over quality, toxic substances, and faulty electronics that pose risks to consumers.

The proposed EUR2 fee is viewed as a preliminary action to hold platforms like Shein and Temu accountable for their operations in the EU market. As discussions progress, the measures will be further negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council as part of a broader reform of the EU customs regime. Member states have shown support for the imposition of a fee, although the specifics of its implementation remain open to discussion.