EU Introduces Packaging Levy: Significant Impact for Temu and Shein
Brussel, vrijdag, 23 mei 2025.
The European Union has decided to introduce a €2 levy on low-value e-commerce parcels, which will affect online platforms such as Shein and Temu. This decision was made to regulate the growing number of parcels arriving annually in the EU, reaching 4.6 billion in 2024. Approximately 91% of these parcels originated from China. The regulation aims to address ‘unfair competition’ from foreign retailers and cover customs service costs. The current tax exemption threshold of €150 is also under discussion. European retailers welcome the proposal as it promotes a level playing field. The exact implementation details and long-term effects of this measure on the market and consumers will be further investigated in the future.
Impact on E-commerce and Competition
The proposed €2 levy on low-value parcels aims to alleviate the pressure on European customs services, which faced an influx of 4.6 billion parcels in 2024, 91% of which were from China [1][2]. This should contribute to fairer competition, especially since the rules have so far favoured foreign providers like Shein and Temu. European companies such as Zalando have responded positively and are calling for the acceleration of the removal of the €150 tax-free threshold [1][3].
Reactions from the Industry
While European retailers support the measure, platforms like Shein and Temu face major challenges. The levy may bring significant costs, forcing these online giants to potentially reconsider their business models in Europe [4][5]. E-commerce companies such as Allegro stress the importance of fair implementation details, because lower handling costs through EU warehouses could favour large companies, endangering the competitiveness of smaller businesses [3].
Prospects and Regulation
Alongside the proposed levy, broader measures are being explored to tackle exporters selling products below market price. UNIZO stresses the importance of in-depth research into dumping practices and advocates stricter enforcement of consumer protection and product safety rules [6]. The EU aims not only to limit unfair trade practices but also to ensure the safety and quality of imported products in the internal market [6][2].