Parcel Tax 2026 Shein Temu | CheckEverything.fr

New tax on small parcels: what's changing in 2026?

From March 2026, a new tax applies to small parcels from non-EU countries, mainly from China. This measure primarily affects customers of Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and similar platforms. Discover more about changes in March 2026 and explore our banking section.

What's the current situation?

Until now, parcels under €150 benefited from simplified customs procedures. Many online shoppers took advantage of this to order clothes, accessories, and electronics at very low prices without additional charges.

What's changing

New customs duty: Fixed fee of €2 per parcel for items under €150.

Reinforced controls: More frequent customs inspections on parcels from outside the EU.

Simplified declaration: Platforms must provide customs information.

Why this measure?

Fair competition: European merchants pay taxes that Asian competitors avoid.

Environmental protection: Reducing mass imports of low-quality products.

Customs revenue: Recovering lost revenue on millions of parcels.

Concrete impact for consumers

For a typical Shein order

€30 order:

Product price: €30
Shipping: €0 to €5
New tax: €2
**New total**: €32 to €37

€100 order:

Product price: €100
Shipping: €0 to €5
New tax: €2
**New total**: €102 to €107

Orders over €150

These are already subject to:

Standard customs duties (0% to 17% depending on product)
20% import VAT
Processing fee (€8 to €15)

Which products are affected?

Most impacted

**Clothing and accessories**: Dresses, t-shirts, bags, jewelry
**Electronics**: Phone accessories, cables, gadgets
**Home decor**: Small furniture, decorations
**Beauty**: Makeup, skincare products

Exemptions

Gifts between individuals (under €45)
Personal items (with proof)
Certain professional imports

Platform reactions

Shein

The platform is adjusting its pricing and considering European warehouses to avoid customs duties.

Temu

Temu is developing its EU inventory to offer faster deliveries without customs.

AliExpress

Aliexpress is strengthening its partnerships with European sellers to offer local alternatives.

Alternatives for consumers

Shop in the EU

Advantages:

Fast delivery
EU consumer protection
Easy returns
No customs surprises

Platforms: Vinted, Zalando, Amazon (EU sellers), local stores

Check EU warehouses

Some Asian sellers offer shipping from European warehouses, avoiding customs.

Calculate true cost

Before ordering, add:

Product price
Shipping
€2 customs tax
Any additional fees

Then compare with European alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to orders already placed?

No, only orders after the measure takes effect.

How will the €2 be collected?

Directly added by the platform or at delivery by the carrier.

Can I refuse a parcel to avoid charges?

Yes, but you'll lose the product. Refund depends on the seller.

Does this affect private sales between individuals?

No, the measure targets businesses selling on platforms.

Are there any loopholes?

Splitting orders or undervaluing is illegal and risks seizure.

Environmental impact

This measure is also aimed at reducing environmental impact:

Less air freight from Asia
Fewer non-recyclable products
Incentive for local production

Your action checklist

Compare prices including new tax
Check European alternatives
Verify seller warehouses (EU = no customs)
Calculate true total cost
Consider environmental impact
Favor quality over quantity

Sources and References

The information provided in this article is for guidance only. Terms may change; check official sources for up-to-date information.

Small Parcel Tax 2026: Shein, Temu, AliExpress - What's Changing