A new step in the fight against “Chinese product invasion” ordered on platforms such as Shein or Temu. The Finance Ministers of the European Union Member States this Thursday, November 13 agreed to eliminate the exemption from import duties on small packages imported from Europe, with a value of less than 150 euros.
After the recent scandal of sex dolls sold on Chinese giant Shein and faced with the social, environmental and ethical problems raised by these ultra-fast fashion sites, the goal of reform is to fight against platforms that do not respect European standards. The EU hopes to implement the tax from the first quarter of 2026.
Implementation of these reforms has accelerated in recent days. Proposed in February by the European Commission, and specifically requested by France, the regulations would initially come into force in mid-2028, in line with a timetable for major reforms in the customs union. However, America, especially France, and the European Commission want to act more quickly and implement this policy as quickly as possible, starting in the first quarter of 2026. To do this, it is necessary to establish a transition system that must be adopted at the next ministerial meeting, on December 12.
“This is an important step in protecting European consumers and the internal market by fighting more effectively against dangerous products that do not comply with European regulations. We have taken a major step for the economic sovereignty of the European Union.”», welcomed the French Minister of Economy, Roland Lescure. These countries were also happy that France initiated such an action; “it paid off today” he added.
Taxation of these small parcels should also be accompanied by the imposition of processing fees on every parcel entering the EU, most of which are purchased through Chinese platforms. Although the amount of this processing fee has not yet been set, Brussels proposed in May that it be set at 2 euros per package. The EU aims to implement these fees from the end of 2026.
In France, a 2 euro tax targeting small packages sent by companies established outside the EU, particularly China, appears in the draft 2026 budget.
