EU's new €3 duty on low-value imports draws cautious response
Businesses are taking a wait-and-see approach to a new European Union duty on low-value imports, as Brussels prepares to impose a €3 charge on items worth less than €150 arriving from non-EU countries, primarily targeting low-cost e-commerce shipments from Asia.
The measure, set to take effect on July 1, is intended to curb the rapid growth of inexpensive imports sold through online marketplaces such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress.
Greek eCommerce Association President Katerina Fraidaki said the effectiveness of the measure would depend largely on how it is implemented. She noted that the charge will apply per item rather than per parcel, potentially increasing costs for consumers who order multiple products in a single shipment.
Market participants expect major online platforms to respond by expanding the use of warehouses within the EU or absorbing part of the additional cost to remain competitive.
According to European Commission data, nearly 5.9 billion low-value parcels entered the EU in 2025, up from 4.7 billion a year earlier, with 93% originating from China.
The new duty is part of a broader EU customs overhaul that includes the creation of a European Customs Authority and a new customs data hub for e-commerce, with full implementation expected by 2028.
