European Commission wants to impose administrative charges on online parcel imports
The European Commission is stepping up efforts to curb the influx of cheap goods, particularly from China, by proposing new administrative fees on online parcel imports. This move aims to alleviate the burden on customs services, address unfair competition and ensure product safety. Additionally, the Commission has launched an investigation into Chinese online retailer Shein for potential consumer protection violations.
Overwhelming customs
Every day, 12 million parcels valued under 22 euros enter the European single market, twice as many from 2023 and three times that of 2022. Nearly 90 per cent originate from China and arrive through just six EU member states, straining local customs operations.
"We see that many goods do not respect the standards or are even dangerous," said Commission vice-president Henna Virkkunen. European traders who comply with EU regulations also face unfair competition, while the surge in shipments has negative environmental consequences.
New fees and stricter enforcement
To address these concerns, the Commission is pushing for swift approval of a 2023 proposal to eliminate the customs duty exemption for goods under 150 euros, a move expected to generate an additional 1 billion euros in import duties. It also suggests a new administrative fee to help cover inspection costs.
"We believe that such a fee should be part of the debate and discussed with the European Parliament and the Member States," said European Commissioner for trade Maros Sefcovic. While details on the rate remain undecided, the levy would be imposed on online platforms and traders.
The Commission is also calling for closer cooperation between customs services and market surveillance authorities to track non-compliant products. Coordinated actions would improve risk assessments and enable more targeted inspections.
As part of its broader enforcement push, the Commission confirmed an ongoing investigation into Shein in collaboration with the European Network of National Consumer Authorities (CPC). The retailer is suspected of violating EU consumer protection laws, including unfair contract terms, misleading price indications and deceptive marketing practices.
In response, a Shein spokesperson stated: "We welcome the efforts to strengthen the trust and safety of European consumers shopping online, and we believe that the entire ecosystem can benefit from a level playing field."
A similar probe into rival Chinese platform Temu began last autumn.
Need for reforms
Several European officials underscore the urgency of reforms. MEP Bruno Tobback (Vooruit) argues that "better control and cooperation between European customs services is needed to stop the tsunami of cheap junk from China." Virkkunen also advocates for financial compensation for national customs services that are handling the increased workload.
Despite a 2023 proposal to strengthen EU-wide customs collaboration, member states have yet to take action. "The European Parliament took a position a year ago. Given the impact on our companies, it is high time that the member states also make progress," Tobback added.
© PHOTO EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
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