EU to levy fee on small packages from outside bloc

"The new fee approved on Thursday will be used in part to hire more customs agents. This is crucial as the sheer volume of packages arriving in the EU means customs officials have little chance of thoroughly inspecting each one."

"Consumer rights groups say that more than 90% of items on offer at discount Chinese platforms contain hazardous chemicals that are illegal in the EU, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures."

"European lawmakers also set fines for companies found guilty of violating EU safety regulations, with penalties reaching up to 6% of all revenue generated by a company's annual exports to the bloc."

"The European consumer organization BEUC welcomed the move, citing the threat posed by hazardous items entering the EU, including deadly toys and textiles drenched in harmful substances."

Starting November 1, the EU will implement handling fees for small packages from outside the bloc, likely around $2 per package, in addition to a customs fee of $3 for purchases up to $150. This decision responds to the influx of packages from Chinese platforms, with 90% of 5.9 million packages in 2025 originating from China. The new fees will help hire more customs agents to inspect hazardous items, as consumer rights groups report that over 90% of products from these platforms contain illegal chemicals in the EU.

Read at www.dw.com