You’ve probably done it too: ordered cheap packages from China. But Europe thinks it’s time for a change—these packages are flooding the European market. This not only harms the environment but also European sellers. And when Europe takes measures, we will all feel it. What are their plans? And what will change for shopping on AliExpress or Temu?
91% of International Shipments Come from China #
In 2024, a staggering 91% of all imported packages came from China. Most of these packages were worth no more than €150. In other words, we as Dutch citizens are quite active on Chinese platforms with cheap products. The EU currently earns nothing from this, because no import duties are charged below this amount.
The result is millions of packages that cannot all be checked by European customs. And that is exactly where Europe needs to get a grip, according to the finance ministers of all member states. But there is only one problem: there is a shortage of funds for this.
Unfair Competition and Extra Environmental Burden #
The EU has therefore devised a plan to better control the large quantities and even earn something from them. European sellers will only be happy with this, because customers will then be more inclined to buy from them.
The plan: a surcharge on packages from outside the EU with a value under €150. With these extra cents, the wishes can be realized and it is hoped that the enormous influx from non-EU countries will also be limited.
17% More Expensive #
Although the policymakers of the European Union had previously aimed for 2028 as the starting year, this has now been brought forward. As a result, international buyers will have to pay for their cheap packages from outside the EU as early as next year.
Exact amounts are not yet known, but the estimate is that packages could become up to 17% more expensive. A significant increase for products that could previously be bought for a small price. As a result, the era of cheap gadgets and fun trinkets may soon come to an end.