H&M CEO: 3-euro fee on low-value e-commerce parcels in EU is "a good step to level the playing field"

The European Union is set to implement a new €3 customs duty on low-value e-commerce parcels arriving from third countries, effective 1 July 2026. This measure, which applies to goods with an intrinsic value under €150, is intended to create a more equitable environment for EU-based retailers and reduce fraud risks associated with the growing volume of cross-border online sales. The duty primarily affects transactions involving sellers registered in the EU’s Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system, which currently accounts for 93% of e-commerce imports.

In addition to the customs duty, a handling fee is expected to be introduced at the EU level by November 2026 to offset the administrative costs of processing these parcels. Some EU member states, including Romania, Italy, and France, have already implemented their own handling fees for low-value imports. The EU’s Customs Data Hub, a centralized digital customs system, is slated for launch in 2028 and will standardize customs duties and handling fees across the bloc.

The new fee has sparked mixed reactions among consumers and businesses. While supporters argue it supports fair competition and enhances product safety, critics express concerns about increased costs for shoppers, particularly in the context of ongoing economic challenges. H&M’s CEO has publicly endorsed the measure, calling it “a good step to level the playing field”. Businesses involved in e-commerce imports are advised to review pricing strategies, IT systems, and compliance processes to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.