On 1 July, the European Commission introduced a temporary €3 customs handling duty on low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc. The measure applies to each item type worth up to €150 purchased online and shipped directly to consumers.
The Commission says the duty is intended to create fairer competition for European businesses while helping to cover the cost of processing the growing number of low-value imports. The measure will remain in force until 1 July 2028, when it is expected to be replaced as part of the EU's wider customs reform.
The announcement quickly sparked debate online, with some users arguing that consumers will ultimately end up paying more.
In a post on X, the European Commission said the duty is charged to e-commerce platforms, not directly to shoppers.
A European Commission spokesperson also told Euronews' fact-checking team, The Cube, that "consumers buying online are not legally responsible for paying the duty".
