European Parliament supports two-euro tax on Temu and Shein packages

The European Parliament has given cautious backing to a proposal introducing a two-euro tax on packages entering the European Union from popular e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein. Authorities report that a staggering twelve million small parcels cross EU borders every day, mostly originating from China, which places enormous pressure on customs inspection systems. To cope with this high volume, officials have also endorsed new warehouse procedures designed to make the screening and management of bulk shipments more efficient.

Alongside the new levy, lawmakers support ending customs exemptions for imports with a declared value below one hundred fifty euros. The move targets the widespread problem of undervalued package declarations, which experts say have contributed to lost tax revenue, unfair competition, and a lack of regulatory oversight. By implementing stricter policies, the EU hopes to strengthen the internal market, support the circular economy, and level the playing field for local businesses and consumers.

Officials emphasized the importance of deploying advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to improve customs checks and efficiency. With ninety-one percent of approximately 4.6 billion small parcels processed in 2024 coming from China, concerns remain about the impact of these imports on European companies. The European Parliament reiterated its commitment to boosting internal trade and protecting the interests of both consumers and entrepreneurs within the Union.