The European Union introduces a two-euro handling fee for parcels from outside the bloc, including orders from Temu and AliExpress

The European Union will introduce, from November 1, 2026, a €2 handling fee for parcels shipped directly to consumers from outside the bloc. The measure will also apply to orders placed on platforms such as Temu, AliExpress, and Amazon, and will take effect ahead of the Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas period.

The fee will be paid by merchants, platforms, and intermediaries, although the costs could be passed on indirectly to buyers through higher prices or delivery charges. The contribution will be calculated for each distinct category of products in a parcel. Thus, ten T-shirts will generate a €2 fee, while a parcel containing T-shirts and caps will be charged €4.

The new contribution comes on top of the €3 fee applied since July to parcels worth less than €150. Brussels says the measure is necessary because of the high volume of shipments: nearly six billion small parcels entered the EU last year, with approximately 93% originating in China. The fee is intended to cover the costs of customs operations and help with checks on products that do not comply with European standards.

The €3 fee will remain in force until July 1, 2028, when it will be replaced by standard customs duties. Imports of low-cost parcels fell by approximately 64% after the first fee was introduced, but authorities warn that it is too early to assess the long-term effects.