Shopping on 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 EU 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 European Commission data, last year nearly 5.9 billion packages of this type arrived in the EU, 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 per item within a shipment. This means 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 the increase on to final consumers. The stated objective is, in the words of community sources, "to make the consumer 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 validity of two years, until the EU's customs reform is completed. From 2028, the implementation of a centralized control system is foreseen, which will replace this temporary mechanism and allow for the application of normal tariffs to all low-value products.