European Commission Proposes New Processing Fees on Online Parcel Deliveries
The proposal aims to enhance customs controls on low-value parcels entering the EU, particularly from major online platforms.
On February 5, 2025, the European Commission announced its intention to impose new 'processing fees' on parcels sold by large online platforms entering the European Union.
This initiative was presented by the Commission's Vice President Henna Virkkunen during a press conference, with the stated aim of financing enhanced customs controls against illegal products.
Every Sunday, the Eco service selects and analyzes key economic news from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions.
As approximately 12 million low-value parcels enter the European Union daily, the need for increased scrutiny has become apparent.
The majority, around 91%, of these parcels are sourced from China, often sold through rapidly growing platforms such as Temu and Shein.
The volume of these parcels reportedly doubled within a year, between 2023 and 2024, according to Virkkunen, who emphasized that many of these items do not comply with European regulations or pose risks to consumers.
She remarked, "Non-compliant, even dangerous" products have been observed.
The funds generated from the proposed processing fees are anticipated to address the escalating costs of customs checks, which officials state are under significant pressure due to the influx of these imports.
Virkkunen noted that this surge places a considerable burden on EU member states' authorities, particularly customs agencies, which serve as the first line of defense against non-compliant goods.
The European Commission's initiative reflects ongoing concerns about the safety and compliance of products entering the EU market, as well as a broader effort to strengthen regulatory frameworks in response to changing trade dynamics.
This initiative was presented by the Commission's Vice President Henna Virkkunen during a press conference, with the stated aim of financing enhanced customs controls against illegal products.
Every Sunday, the Eco service selects and analyzes key economic news from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions.
As approximately 12 million low-value parcels enter the European Union daily, the need for increased scrutiny has become apparent.
The majority, around 91%, of these parcels are sourced from China, often sold through rapidly growing platforms such as Temu and Shein.
The volume of these parcels reportedly doubled within a year, between 2023 and 2024, according to Virkkunen, who emphasized that many of these items do not comply with European regulations or pose risks to consumers.
She remarked, "Non-compliant, even dangerous" products have been observed.
The funds generated from the proposed processing fees are anticipated to address the escalating costs of customs checks, which officials state are under significant pressure due to the influx of these imports.
Virkkunen noted that this surge places a considerable burden on EU member states' authorities, particularly customs agencies, which serve as the first line of defense against non-compliant goods.
The European Commission's initiative reflects ongoing concerns about the safety and compliance of products entering the EU market, as well as a broader effort to strengthen regulatory frameworks in response to changing trade dynamics.
