European Crackdown on Asian Parcels: What You Need to Know
Security Threats from Asian Imports: Nearly 94% Posed as Potential Risks for Safety and Found to be Counterfeits, According to the Minister of Public Accounts
Following a meeting between the French Minister of Economy and the Minister in charge of Public Accounts, a proposal to introduce management fees for small packages from platforms like Shein and Temu is gaining traction. Amélie de Montchalin, France's Minister, suggested these fees would be just "a few dozen cents per item or a few euros per parcel."
During her appearance on 4 Truths on April 30, the Minister underscored the importance of this issue, stating that in 2024, 800 million small items entered France from these platforms. She went on to explain that 94% of these parcels pose a risk to security, are often counterfeit, and present a risk to public finances.
Cross-European Regulation Discussions
Discussions are underway to extend these proposed fees on a European level. Montchalin revealed she has the support of the Netherlands and is waiting for Germany's response. She expressed optimism about creating a well-coordinated European project, with the aim of having customs duties apply from the first euro in 2028. This move would also impact the economic models of these online retailers, especially if they are made to shoulder more operational costs.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
Consumer Implications
These new fees could lead to increased costs for the everyday consumer. As the European Union prepares to abolish the customs duty exemption for parcels under €150 in 2028[1], consumers will likely need to pay taxes on items from Asian platforms like Shein and Temu.
Additionally, the more stringent inspection processes might cause delays in shipping, while shoppers may also shift their buying habits to avoid these fees, opting for local or European sellers instead.
All in all, these changes could help protect intellectual property rights and curb losses in affected industries such as fashion and cosmetics. However, they might also result in higher consumer costs and changes in shopping behavior.
- Amélie de Montchalin, France's Minister, has proposed management fees for small packages from platforms like Shein and Temu, asserting that they would be "a few dozen cents per item or a few euros per parcel."
- Montchalin has expressed optimism about creating a well-coordinated European project, aiming to have customs duties apply from the first euro in 2028, a move that could impact the economic models of these online retailers.
- With the European Union preparing to abolish the customs duty exemption for parcels under €150 in 2028, consumers are likely to pay taxes on items from Asian platforms like Shein and Temu.
- The more stringent inspection processes might cause delays in shipping, while shoppers may also shift their buying habits to avoid these fees, opting for local or European sellers instead.
- These changes, intended to protect intellectual property rights and curb losses in affected industries such as fashion and cosmetics, could potentially lead to higher consumer costs and changes in shopping behavior.
