The European Union has implemented a €3 customs duty on e-commerce imports valued under €150, ending a loophole previously exploited by platforms like SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress. This move aims to address unfair competition, safety concerns, and environmental impact.
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EU ends tax loophole for low-value imports from SHEIN, Temu, AliExpress
IN SHORT
The European Union has implemented a €3 customs duty on e-commerce imports valued under €150, ending a loophole previously exploited by platforms like SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress. This move aims to address unfair competition, safety concerns, and environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
The EU has introduced a flat €3 customs duty on e-commerce imports valued under €150.
Online shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress are directly affected by this new duty.
The EU aims to address unfair competition for European retailers, improve product safety, combat fraud, and reduce the environmental impact of cheap imports.
Consumers may face higher prices for imported goods and potentially longer waiting times for delivery, but will benefit from stronger product safety protections.
The 'de minimis' loophole was a customs policy allowing low-value shipments (under €150 in the EU) to enter free of customs duties, which companies exploited to avoid taxes and lower costs.
What Happens Next
01A permanent system for low-value imports is expected to be agreed upon by November 2025.
02The EU Customs Data Hub is scheduled to go live in 2028, removing the €150 threshold entirely.
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EU ends tax loophole for low-value imports from SHEIN, Temu, AliExpress