Shopping at Shein or Temu? This is how the new tax that comes into effect today affects you

BarcelonaThe European Union launched this Tuesday the new tax of 3 euros per product on low-cost packages from outside the community bloc, a measure that directly impacts platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. The decision, which marks a change in the model of massive online purchases of small value, is part of a reform of customs controls with which Brussels aims to respond to the explosion of international e-commerce. According to data from the European Commission, last year the EU received nearly 5.9 billion packages of this type, four times more than three years ago. The vast majority, 90%, come from China.

The new tax is applied with a flat rate of 3 euros for each item within a shipment. This implies that the same package with several products can accumulate several surcharges, depending on the category of each item. Brussels says it is not a tax for revenue purposes, but a tool to strengthen quality control and reduce pressure on customs.

"Let the consumer think twice"

Although the regulation foresees that the cost will formally fall on companies, the European Commission admits that platforms may end up partially passing on the increase to final consumers. The stated objective is, in the words of community sources, "that consumers think twice" before buying on these platforms.

The measure also responds to concerns about safety and regulatory compliance: according to Brussels, around 60% of imported products do not comply with European standards, especially in categories such as toys, cosmetics, and personal protection products.

The tax will have an initial duration of two years, until the EU customs reform is completed. From 2028, the implementation of a centralized control system is foreseen, which will replace this temporary mechanism and allow normal tariffs to be applied to all low-value products.