The European Union has announced a new €3 customs charge on low-value e-commerce imports, ending a long-standing duty-free system for many online purchases worth up to €150.

The new rule is expected to affect major Chinese shopping platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and Shein, which have become popular in Europe because of their low prices and direct shipping model.

What Is the New €3 Fee?

Under the new policy, a €3 customs charge will apply to low-value goods entering the European Union from outside the bloc.

The fee is charged for each separate customs classification in a shipment rather than for the entire package.

For example:

• A parcel containing clothes, toys, and electronics may face a total charge of €9.
• A package containing only several dresses under the same category may face a single €3 charge.

Why Is the EU Introducing This Charge?

The European Union says the new measure is designed to create fair competition for European retailers.

Officials believe that the old exemption gave foreign online platforms a major advantage over businesses operating within Europe.

The number of low-value imports has increased rapidly in recent years. The EU received around 5.8 billion low-value e-commerce shipments in 2025, compared to 1.4 billion in 2022.

Which Platforms Will Be Affected?

The new customs charge is expected to have a significant impact on:

• Temu
• AliExpress
• Shein

These companies have built their business around selling low-cost products directly to consumers in Europe and other international markets.

Will Prices Increase?

The new fee could lead to higher prices for European shoppers if online retailers decide to pass the additional costs to customers.

Some platforms have already started preparing for the changes.

AliExpress has said that customers will see import charges before completing their purchases, while Amazon also displays import costs for products shipped from outside the European Union.

How Long Will the Fee Remain in Place?

The €3 customs charge is considered a temporary measure.

The system will remain in effect until July 1, 2028. After that, the European Union plans to replace it with standard category-based customs duties under a new customs data system.

What Could Happen Next?

Industry experts believe the new charge could reduce e-commerce shipments into Europe during the first few weeks after implementation.

The policy may also affect global air-cargo volumes and force online platforms to adjust their pricing strategies.

Conclusion

The European Union’s new €3 customs fee marks a major change for online shopping platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and Shein. While the measure aims to protect European retailers and create fair competition, it could also lead to higher prices and fewer low-cost imports into the region in the coming years.