Until now, goods valued under €150 could enter the bloc without paying customs duties under the so-called “de minimis” exemption. Chinese platforms exploited this by shipping billions of low-value parcels directly to European consumers from China, avoiding up to 12% in import duties and bypassing many regulatory checks.
The EU now receives more than two billion of these packages annually, with authorities estimating that up to 65% are undervalued or incorrectly declared. This system enabled companies like SHEIN to rapidly expand while undercutting European retailers. For consumers, the loophole offered ultra-cheap prices and fast delivery, though it also raised concerns about unsafe products, toxic chemicals, counterfeit goods, and environmental damage from billions of individually air-shipped packages.
Under new EU rules taking effect this July, low-value imports will face a flat €3 customs duty, along with additional charges based on product type. Online marketplaces will also become legally responsible for the safety of products sold within the EU, shifting liability away from individual consumers.
These regulation changes are expected to increase costs and slow deliveries, but EU officials argue they will create fairer competition for European businesses while improving product safety standards for shoppers.
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