The EU’s New Approach to Cross-Border E-Commerce: A Game Changer for Small Packages

The European Union is on the verge of implementing significant reforms that will alter the landscape of cross-border e-commerce and parcel logistics. Starting in July 2026, the EU plans to abolish its long-standing “de minimis” rule, which currently allows low-value goods to enter its territory without incurring customs duties.

New Customs Fees for Low-Value Goods

Under the upcoming changes, every e-commerce parcel valued at less than €150 (approximately $160) arriving from outside the EU will incur a uniform customs fee of €3 (around $3.25). EU officials argue that this initiative is designed to manage the unprecedented growth of small parcel shipments, which have surged in recent years due to the rise of online shopping.

Impact on Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms

This reform is expected to significantly affect cross-border e-commerce companies, as those that depend on shipping large volumes of low-cost items directly to European customers will have to consider the new fees in their pricing, delivery costs, and overall fulfillment strategies.

Logistics Providers Face New Challenges

For logistics providers, this reform introduces more paperwork and stricter border controls. Parcels that previously made their way through customs with minimal checks will now require comprehensive data declarations, potentially leading to longer processing times and increased operational burdens.

Goals Behind the Changes

EU officials emphasize that the goal of these regulations is not to obstruct trade but to create a fair marketplace for European retailers. Additionally, the reforms will enhance customs authorities’ ability to monitor incoming goods, addressing safety concerns regarding non-compliant or hazardous products that can slip through lightly checked parcels.

Looking Ahead: Future Reforms

The €3 customs fee is viewed as a preliminary step, with EU policymakers indicating that further modifications may come later in 2026, including broader customs reforms aimed at modernizing the import process into the region.

Comparative Perspective: U.S. Customs Policy Changes

This movement within the EU mirrors a recent shift in the United States, where, effective August 29, the de minimis exemption of $800 was eliminated. Under the new policy, low-value imports are now subject to duties, signaling a significant policy change driven by concerns over tariff evasion and the influx of small, cross-border e-commerce shipments.

Former President Trump signed the executive order in July 2025, highlighting apprehensions about illicit goods entering the market. This shift has particularly impacted companies like Shein and Temu, which had developed their business models around direct-to-consumer shipping below the threshold.

A Joint Trend in Trade Regulations

Collectively, these actions by the U.S. and EU depict a clear trend: governments on both sides of the Atlantic are tightening regulations around low-value imports. This alters the financial landscape for direct-to-consumer shipping models and compels retailers and logistics providers to re-evaluate their strategies for transporting small parcels across borders.

As the landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders in the e-commerce and logistics sectors will need to adapt quickly to these regulatory changes, ensuring compliance while remaining competitive in an increasingly complex global marketplace.