The European Union introduced a EUR 2 handling fee on November 1 for consumer e-commerce goods imported from outside the bloc. The charge applies to each line item in an import customs declaration, including shipments valued above EUR 150.
The calculation depends on how goods are declared. Dutch Customs gives the example of a parcel containing shirts, sweaters and a hat: three declaration lines generate EUR 6 in handling fees. Multiple units grouped under one declaration line do not each attract a separate EUR 2 charge.
The fee is separate from the temporary EUR 3 customs duty introduced in July for qualifying low-value consignments. Where both apply, a declaration line can attract EUR 5 in combined charges before VAT. The handling fee is also non-refundable, including when a customer returns or refuses a shipment.
For Chinese cross-border sellers, the additional fixed cost puts pressure on inexpensive products and orders containing several separately declared categories. Its effect will vary with product prices, order composition and the allocation of import charges among sellers, platforms and customers.
Sellers will need to reassess pricing, fulfilment and returns economics. Local inventory may offer an alternative supply route, but it introduces warehousing costs and working-capital requirements. The commercial choice will depend on demand predictability and the cost of serving each market.
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