Orders placed on platforms such as Shein, Temu or AliExpress may become more expensive and take longer to arrive from July 1, 2026. At issue are new European Union rules that end the exemption from customs duties for purchases up to 150 euros coming from countries outside the European space.

Fixed fee per product type

In practice, the quantity or price of the items is not the decisive factor for this rate. What counts is the number of product categories within the same order.

Shein, Temu and AliExpress are affected

Platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress are among the most affected, as many of the orders placed on these sites are shipped from countries outside the European Union.

Consumers must confirm, at the time of purchase, whether VAT and customs duties are already included in the final value presented at checkout.

CTT admit greater complexity

The company admits that there may be temporary constraints in processing orders, due to the high volume of shipments covered by the new rules and the adaptation of customs systems.

How much customs clearance can cost

For purchases over 150 euros, the general customs regime continues, with duties calculated according to the customs tariff. In these cases, the flat fee of three euros per type of product does not apply.

This rule applies to occasional shipments between people, and not to purchases made on commercial platforms.

For those who usually make small online purchases outside the European Union, we recommend checking the final value carefully before paying. From July onwards, an apparently cheap order could end up becoming more expensive when fees, VAT and possible customs clearance costs arrive.

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