The new €3 fee on low-value parcels entering the European Union from outside the bloc has quickly reduced imports of cheap goods from China, with French customs data showing a 30% to 40% decline in small shipments since the measure took effect.
For years, European consumers have increasingly relied on platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress to order inexpensive clothing, accessories, electronics and household goods directly from China. Many of these purchases arrived in Europe in small parcels worth only a few euros and were previously exempt from customs duties.
That changed on July 1, when the EU introduced a flat €3 customs duty on parcels worth up to €150, with the charge applying to each category of goods in a shipment. French customs authorities reported that the number of small parcels entering the EU fell by between 30% and 40% after the new system was introduced, according to data cited by France's Economy Ministry on Thursday.
The French government has viewed the figures as an early indication that tighter regulation can influence the behavior of major Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Sales volumes on some of the largest platforms also dropped sharply between June and July. Temu recorded a 50% decline, while AliExpress fell by 37%. Shein's sales were more resilient, declining by 15%.
