A major step away from naivety – that's how EU officials describe moves to crack down on cheap Chinese parcels flooding the European market. The EU is edging closer to abolishing the customs exemption on packages valued at under €150. For now, the EU has agreed to impose a temporary €3 customs fee on small parcels, effective from July 1, 2026.

Read moreEU agrees three-euro small parcel tax to tackle China flood

But e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu will still benefit from the broader customs exemption for the time being. More than 4 billion parcels made their way into the EU in 2024 – underscoring accusations of dumping and unfair competition, as European producers have to comply with more stringent environmental and safety standards for their products.

Shein, the Chinese retailer, is also in the crosshairs of the French justice system over the sale of child-like sex dolls.

We discuss the issue of cheap Chinese parcels with two MEPs.

Programme prepared by Perrine Desplats, Isabelle Romero and Oihana Almandoz

 

Find here the debate in the European Parliament on e-commerce platforms