EU finance ministers have approved accelerating the removal of tariff exemptions for shipments under €150 from platforms like Temu and Shein. With this move, Brussels aims to ensure that these sales contribute to the corresponding taxes from the first euro , eliminating the preferential treatment previously afforded to low-value packages.
The political push comes after months in which these Chinese companies have been on the radar of EU authorities for unfair trade practices and the enormous volume of parcels they handle. According to the Commission, 4.600 billion such shipments entered Europe last year, nearly 12 million per day, with China accounting for up to 90% of low-cost parcels.
What changes and since when
The EU will bring forward the elimination of the exemption for shipments up to €150, which was originally planned for when the customs data center was operational (no later than 2028). Now, the 27 member states have agreed to work towards an early implementation as early as 2026 , with a transitional formula that will allow charges to begin sooner.
The Danish presidency of the Council has stressed the urgency: a simple, temporary solution will be developed to implement the tariffs as soon as possible. This political timetable allows for the acceleration of a reform long demanded by several member states and by European businesses.
In practice, products purchased on these platforms will now be subject to tariffs and VAT from the first euro of the declared value, aligning them with European retailers that already pay taxes. The aim is to close the loophole of the €150 threshold, which has benefited low-cost e-commerce giants.
Why now: volume, undervaluation, and security
The European Commission warns of a trend that is difficult to sustain: in 2024, 4.600 billion low-value packages were recorded, equivalent to 12 million per day. The Commission also warns that these figures are already double those of 2023 and triple those of 2022, reflecting the "extremely rapid" growth of platforms like Temu and Shein.
Another issue is the systematic undervaluation of goods to evade tariffs. Brussels estimates that up to 65% of low-cost shipments arrive with artificially low declared prices, distorting the market and complicating the work of customs officials.
EU authorities are also focusing on consumer safety and combating counterfeiting. Insufficient controls on this flood of packages increase the risk of goods entering the country that do not meet European quality and safety standards.
Political circles emphasize that this is not merely a technical adjustment, but rather a matter of the EU's ability to defend its economic interests and guarantee fair competition. European retailers have long been calling for the immediate elimination of the exemption that favors the import of ultra-cheap goods.
Impact on consumers and businesses in Spain
For buyers, the main change will be that orders under €150 from third countries will now include tariffs and VAT, as well as any applicable customs fees. Depending on the carrier, handling charges may also apply, increasing the final price and potentially affecting delivery times.
For local businesses, especially in sectors like fashion , the measure aims to alleviate downward price pressure. In Spain, for example, the toy industry association has reported losses of nearly 11% in revenue due to the shift of purchases to foreign online stores during key sales periods.
At the operational level, courier companies and customs will need to strengthen their processes to manage the flow with new controls and clearance procedures. This adjustment could result in greater traceability regarding the origin, tariff classification, and true value of the product.
In terms of competition, the reform aims to prevent giants like Temu and Shein from taking advantage of the exemption and to force them to compete on a more level playing field with European SMEs, which bear taxes and regulatory obligations at all times.
How it will be implemented: customs controls and data center
The plan has two phases: a temporary implementation in 2026 , which will allow tariffs to be charged on low-value shipments, and a later stage with the customs data center fully operational, planned for no later than 2028.
The interim solution could rely on simplified procedures and greater responsibility on the part of platforms to correctly declare the value and content, making it easier for Member States to collect taxes from the first euro.
With the future data center, the EU aims for a more agile cross-border exchange of information between customs, which should reduce declared value fraud, speed up controls and ensure the collection of duties and VAT, especially on low-cost parcels.
Ecofin's decision marks a turning point: it accelerates the end of the exemption for shipments under 150 euros, strengthens controls against undervaluation, and lays the foundations for fairer competition in the European market, with visible effects for consumers, logistics operators, and businesses over the coming months.