The European Union has reintroduced a Union handling fee that applies to non-EU shipments from popular overseas marketplaces such as Temu and AliExpress. Shoppers will pay a flat €2 fee per individual item rather than per package. The change means multi-item orders will carry higher charges.
The fee targets the rapid growth of low-cost e-commerce imports into Europe. Many parcels contain small items shipped in bulk from overseas sellers, and the charge addresses that flow directly. Because the fee applies per item, the total cost rises with the number of products in an order.
For consumers, the impact depends on what they buy. A customer ordering several small products could pay multiple fees that add up quickly. That may reduce the savings that attracted many shoppers to these platforms in the first place.
The change also affects competition between overseas sellers and European retailers. Domestic businesses that have complained about lower-priced imports may see a narrower price gap. The final effect will depend on how sellers respond and whether they absorb part of the charge.
Retailers and marketplaces will need to adjust checkout systems and pricing to reflect the new fee. Some sellers may pass the cost to buyers, while others could consolidate shipments to reduce the number of items charged separately. Platforms may also need to update how they display prices before payment.
The rule is part of a wider effort to manage imports of low-value goods across the bloc. Customs authorities must track large volumes of small parcels, which can be harder to inspect than bulk cargo. A flat per-item charge gives officials a simple, consistent rule to apply.
The European Commission has not yet released a full breakdown of how the fee will be collected across all member states. Questions remain about enforcement, reporting and how the charge fits with other duties. Shoppers, retailers and platforms will be watching for that guidance.
Guidance on collection methods and enforcement will be the next signal of how far the change reaches, and whether other countries follow the same approach.
