The European Union will apply from July 1, 2026, a new fixed customs surcharge of 3 euros to small shipments imported from outside the bloc. The measure affects packages up to 150 euros and seeks to close a channel that has driven the massive growth of cheap commerce platforms.
The Council of the EU agreed that goods entering in small shipments below 150 euros will be subject to a fixed duty of 3 euros from that date. The measure will apply to non-EU sellers registered in the import one-stop shop, which covers most of the e-commerce flow to the EU.
The European Commission also published in June the technical guide for the new temporary charge, which will apply until July 1, 2028.
What purchases will become more expensive
The surcharge will affect products purchased online from sellers outside the European Union. In practice, it enters the radar of platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and other operators that send millions of low-value packages to the European market.
The key is that the charge is not calculated as a percentage of the price, but as a fixed amount. This makes it weigh more on very cheap purchases. An order of a few euros can become visibly more expensive if it includes several types of products.
Brussels' objective is twofold: to increase customs control and reduce the competitive advantage of ultra-cheap shipments from outside the EU. It also seeks to respond to pressure from European businesses competing with platforms capable of selling products at very low prices.
Why it is of interest to Spain
Spain is one of the markets where the consumption of fast fashion, small accessories, cheap electronics, and home products purchased outside the EU has grown the most. The change may directly affect the final price seen by the consumer.