EU to End Tax-Free Shopping on Cheap Chinese Imports from July 2026

The European Union will impose new fees on low-cost orders from Chinese e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein starting in July 2026, ending the current system that allows duty-free imports on small packages. The change will likely increase prices for European consumers who have grown accustomed to ultra-cheap purchases from these popular online retailers. Currently, small-value packages from outside the EU can enter the bloc without customs duties, making products from Chinese platforms significantly cheaper than domestic alternatives. The new EU policy aims to level the playing field between foreign and European retailers while generating additional customs revenue for member states.