From Sunday, November 1, the European Union will charge two euros for each category of item in packages arriving from third countries. This is in addition to the three euros charged since July 1.
According to RTVE, from Sunday, November 1, the European Union will implement a two euro fee for each category of item arriving in packages from outside the bloc. The measure aims to reorganise the entry of shipments at community customs, which received 5.9 billion packages in 2025.
The new charge is in addition to the three euro tariff that came into effect on July 1. This levy applies to packages valued up to 150 euros and primarily affects shipments from China originating from platforms such as Temu, Shein, or AliExpress. According to Brussels' calculations, up to 91% of these packages come from the Asian giant.
The Commission refers to the new charge as a “processing fee”, intended to cover the costs of the checks and monitoring carried out by customs authorities on small packages. The amount depends on the customs classification of each product, according to the tariff subheadings: 2 euros is charged for each subheading present in the shipment. Thus, two cotton t-shirts and one silk blouse count as a single category of clothing only if they share a subheading; conversely, seven wool cardigans would only pay 2 euros.
Unlike the three euro tariff, the processing fee will apply to all packages, regardless of their value. An order of 100 euros with four pairs of trousers, a radio, and a candle will pay 9 euros for the first charge and, from November 1, an additional 6 euros for the new fee, totalling 15 euros.
The Federation of Consumers and Users (CECU) has warned that platforms could pass this cost onto the buyer in the final stages of the purchase, which it considers illegal, as European regulations require the total final price to be displayed from the moment the user starts filling the basket. CECU's Trade spokesperson, Emily Riesco, stated in a statement:
“Consumers should not have to pay this new two euro fee, as the importing platforms must remain responsible for the payment.”
Operators who violate the regulation may face fines of up to 6% of the annual value of their imports from the previous year, as well as the loss of certain customs privileges and restrictions on access to their platforms.
The EU estimates that packages from outside the bloc increased from 4.6 billion in 2024 to 5.9 billion by the end of 2025. Riesco has considered that the fee will allow the EU to strengthen its customs capacity to ensure consumer safety. According to evidence cited in the information, 69% of the 162 items analysed from Temu and Shein, including USB chargers, toys, and jewellery, did not comply with regulations and could be dangerous.
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