EU targets China’s Shein and Temu with new fees on low-value parcels

Tariffs’ impact may be limited given the Chinese e-commerce companies’ extensive warehouse and logistics networks across Europe

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Both Shein and Temu have multiple distribution centres across Europe. Photo: Alarmy

Published: 12:13am, 13 Dec 2025Updated: 3:54am, 13 Dec 2025

The European Union will start collecting a three-euro flat fee for each small parcel valued below €150 (US$176) sent directly from a non-EU country to customers in the bloc, following a decision adopted by the EU finance ministers meeting in Brussels on Friday.

The move, set to kick in next July, marks a milestone in Europe’s fight, led by France, against the influx of small parcels, mostly from Chinese platforms such as Temu and Shein, entering the union tax free.

But how effective these tariffs will be remains to be seen given both platforms’ extensive warehouse and logistic networks in Europe.

“Today is a big day for Europe, a big day for France, but above all a big day for our citizens, producers and retailers,” French finance minister Roland Lescure told journalists with a smile.

French finance minister Roland Lescure at the National Assembly in Paris on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Paris has repeatedly warned that these small parcels pose a threat to European businesses and consumers.

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EU targets China’s Shein and Temu with new fees on low-value parcels

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Tariffs’ impact may be limited given the Chinese e-commerce companies’ extensive warehouse and logistics networks across Europe

Tariffs’ impact may be limited given the Chinese e-commerce companies’ extensive warehouse and logistics networks across Europe