The EU’s introduction of a €3 customs duty on low-value ecommerce imports is beginning to reshape air freight networks as carriers, exporters, importers and logistics providers adjust to the new requirements.
The temporary duty, which came into force on 1 July, replaces the long-standing customs duty exemption for consignments valued at up to €150. The measure is intended to create a level playing field, improve product safety and modernise customs procedures ahead of the introduction of the EU Customs Data Hub in 2028.
However, implementation has not been entirely straightforward and has led to delays across airfreight networks in Europe. Reports suggest customs authorities across EU member states are adopting different approaches, with some requiring major Chinese exporters to lodge guarantees of up to €1 million before goods are cleared, while others simply collect the charge on arrival.
This inconsistency has reportedly resulted in freight being diverted towards countries with less restrictive entry requirements, affecting established air cargo flows and schedules.
The changes have also highlighted the impact of individual national policies. France’s introduction of a €2 parcel fee has reportedly reduced ecommerce import volumes, while neighbouring Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands have all recorded growth without equivalent charges.
The wider shift reflects a growing international trend. The EU voted to abolish its de minimis exemption in November, following the United States’ decision to remove its own $800 threshold, while the UK is also expected to replace its £135 exemption by March 2029.
The objective is to address the rapid growth in low-value imports from online marketplaces such as Temu and Shein, which is widely believed to have placed domestic retailers at a competitive disadvantage.
While the principle of creating fairer competition is widely supported, the early disruption demonstrates that implementing major customs reforms across multiple jurisdictions is often far more challenging in practice than it appears in theory.
