Tariffs on small parcels entering the European Union from non-EU countries are significantly reducing shipment volumes. In 2025, around 6 billion items arrived in the EU in small parcels cleared through customs, with 90 per cent originating from China.
According to Roberto Alesse, director of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency in an interview with ItaliaOggi, import declarations for non-EU parcels worth less than 150 euros fell by 31 per cent from January to September 2026. While the decline stood at 20 per cent during the first half of the year, declarations have dropped by well over 30 per cent since 1 July, when a 2 euro duty came into effect. French customs authorities have noted a similar development, reporting a decline of between 30 per cent and 40 per cent in small-parcel imports into the EU since July.
The shift has had a direct impact on major online fast-fashion retailers. Between June and July, sales at Temu fell by 50 per cent, while Ali Express recorded a 37 per cent decline. Shein experienced a smaller drop of 15 per cent, supported in part by its warehouse operations in Poland.
Regulatory pressure will increase further from 1 November, when customs authorities begin charging an additional 2 euro handling fee on every small parcel entering the EU from outside the bloc. The charge comes on top of an existing 3 euros levy per product category and is intended to help customs services cover the costs of data collection and verification, risk analysis, inspections and infrastructure management.
Under the updated rules, non-EU platforms selling into Europe will become directly responsible for customs formalities, requiring them to submit data, pay duties and meet European compliance standards. The requirements will apply to platforms such as Shein, Temu and Ali Express, as well as third-party non-EU sales on marketplaces including Amazon.
