EU tightens taxes on "ultra-cheap" goods imported from abroad.

VTV.vn - The EU has decided to impose a fixed import tax of 3 euros on small-value shipments from July 1, 2026, in order to curb the influx of cheap goods from online commerce platforms.

Shein's merchandise. (Source: AFP)

European Union (EU) finance ministers agreed on December 12 to impose a fixed import tariff of 3 euros (over $3.50) on all small-value shipments entering the bloc starting July 1, 2026. This is seen as a measure to counter the surge in cheap goods from online trading platforms, including Shein and Temu.

This decision comes just one month after the EU agreed to abolish the import duty exemption for packages worth less than 150 euros sent directly to consumers within the bloc – a loophole that had allowed a flood of "ultra-cheap" goods from abroad to enter the markets of the 27 member states.

According to an EU spokesperson, the 3 euro tax will be applied temporarily until the bloc completes the development of a more permanent and comprehensive tax mechanism for small-scale imported goods.

Last year, 4.6 billion small packages – equivalent to more than 145 packages per second – were shipped into the EU, with 91% originating from China. The EU forecasts this number will continue to rise in the coming period.

Many European retailers have long argued that they face unfair competition from cross-border e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress, Shein, and Temu, as these platforms do not always fully comply with the strict EU safety and regulatory standards.

France – which received around 800 million small packages last year – played a strong role in pushing this decision. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called it “a major victory for the EU,” asserting that the new measure helps protect the single market, consumers, and the bloc’s economic sovereignty .

Besides tightening taxes, the EU is also working to streamline procedures for businesses to increase Europe's competitiveness. Last May, the European Commission proposed adding a 2 euro processing fee for small shipments. However, member states have yet to agree on the final fee and aim for implementation by the end of 2026.

Source: https://vtv.vn/eu-siet-thue-hang-sieu-re-nhap-tu-nuoc-ngoai-10025121306573979.htm