EU abolishes duty exemptions for low-value imported goods

In a bid to curb the flow of cheap goods into the continent, the EU has abolished duty-free access for low-value orders from e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu.

According to EU statistics, the number of low-value packages imported into the EU last year doubled to 4.6 billion units, of which more than 90% came from China. (Source: BLOOMBERG/TTXVN)

European Union (EU) finance ministers agreed on November 13 to abolish duty exemptions for low-value orders from e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, in a bid to curb the flow of cheap goods into the continent.

European Union (EU) countries have set “de minimis” thresholds for imported goods. Packages under 150 euros ($157) imported from abroad are not subject to any import duties.

The removal of the “de minimis” threshold is expected to be implemented as early as the first quarter of 2026 instead of the original plan in 2028, with the aim of protecting the competitiveness of businesses in the bloc.

This timeframe is also the proposal of EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr. Maros Sefcovic, sent to the meeting of EU finance ministers on November 13.

According to an EU official, the 27 EU member states will also continue discussions to find a "simple and temporary solution to be able to implement" the new measure soon.

Businesses in the EU are now calling on the union to strengthen controls on the flow of low-value goods into the continent.

According to EU statistics, the number of low-value packages imported into the EU last year doubled to 4.6 billion units, of which more than 90% came from China.

Some EU member states even want to introduce their own handling fees. Countries like Romania and Italy have planned to impose their own handling fees or taxes to protect their domestic industries.

The move by EU finance ministers paves the way for negotiations with the European Parliament, which will then adopt the final legal text.

Last August, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop applying the "de minimis" rule, which allows exemption from import tax and customs inspection for all packages worth less than 800 USD when entering the US./.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/eu-bo-mien-thue-doi-voi-hang-hoa-nhap-khau-gia-tri-thap-5064943.html