European Union Imposes Handling Fee on Non-EU Packages

The European Union will implement a permanent €2 handling fee on packages sent from outside the bloc to consumers starting November 1, 2026. The levy applies to each type of item within a package regardless of its value. This fee is separate from a temporary €3 duty introduced in July on small parcels worth less than €150, which remains in effect until July 1, 2028, when standard product-specific customs tariffs take over.

Brussels established the measure to offset operational strain on customs authorities and address concerns over unsafe non-EU products. The policy specifically targets the influx of low-cost imports from China, which accounted for 93% of small packages entering the EU last year. Since the July duty was implemented, imports have reportedly dropped by 64%.

EU officials state that consumers will not pay the fee directly. Instead, online marketplaces and intermediaries—including Amazon, AliExpress, and Temu—are responsible for the payment. However, the EU acknowledges that these sellers may raise prices to offset the costs. The implementation arrives immediately before the peak Black Friday and Christmas shopping seasons.