ZAP // Shein; Meeting; Wavebreakmedia / Depositphotos
Low-value online purchases made outside the European Union will no longer benefit from customs exemption. The change makes small orders more expensive and seeks to respond mainly to the increase in products imported from China.
The end of customs exemption for low-value orders coming from outside the European Union could cost 270 million euros to Portuguese consumers, according to an estimate put forward by .
The measure, which comes into force on July 1, 2026, applies to purchases made in extra-community platforms like Temu, Shein or AliExpress.
At issue is the, which allowed goods valued at less than 150 euros to enter the European Union without paying customs duties.
Brussels decided accelerate change given the growth of low-value orders, mainly from China, and the risks associated with unfair competition, product safety, fraud and environmental impact.
From July 1st, low-value products entering the EU will have to pay a fixed customs fee of 3 euros. The value will not be calculated per order, but per product category included in the order. Thus, a purchase with several items from the same category will pay 3 euros, but an order with products from different categories you can pay more.
According to the Council of the European Union, the measure is temporary and should be in force until July 1, 2028, can be prolonged. The definitive solution must arrive with the European customs reform and the entry into operation of the new European customs data center.
The impact will be particularly felt on e-commerce platforms based on Small, cheap orders shipped directly to the European consumer. Companies like Temu and Shein are among the most affectedas they depend on high volumes of low-value products sent directly from third countries, in many cases from China.
The numbers help explain the decision. According to the European Commission, cited by the EU Council, 4.6 billion small parcels entered the European market in 2024, double the previous year, and 91% originated in China.
For consumers, the main change will be in the final price. recommends it to consumers who, at the time of purchase, confirm whether VAT and customs duties are already included. Otherwise, These amounts may be charged when the order arrives in Portugal, adding to possible customs clearance costs.
The end of “minimis” does not end cheap shopping outside the EU, but makes it less cheap. For those who place several small orders throughout the year, the difference may cease to be residual.
