EU introduces €3 customs charge on small parcels to curb cheap Chinese imports

<p>Parcels of goods worth under €150 will no longer enjoy ‘de minimis’ exemption, exploited by platforms such as Temu and Shein</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/jun/29/bank-of-england-inflation-warning-ai-stock-markets-oil-burnham-bond-yields-live-news-updates">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>The European Commission has said it hopes to prevent the “desertification” of Europe’s high streets, as it prepares to introduce a customs tax on small parcels in an attempt to curb cheap Chinese imports.</p><p>Consumers have been able to buy up to €150 (£129) worth of goods, including fast fashion, cosmetics and toys, without any customs charges as part of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/27/uk-retailers-urge-faster-end-to-tax-break-on-low-value-imported-goods">“de minimis”</a> exemption, a tariff break meaning “too small to matter”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/29/eu-introduces-customs-charge-on-small-parcels-to-curb-cheap-chinese-imports">Continue reading...</a>