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EU Council Endorses New 3 Euro Customs Fee For Small Packages

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

Overview Of The New Customs Regulation

The European Union Council has approved a minimum fee of 3 euros for every small package entering the EU from third countries, effective from July. This decision is part of a broader revision of customs duties designed to modernize and level the playing field in the age of global e-commerce.

Addressing Unfair Competition

Under the existing framework, many low-value parcels, largely shipped from China, enter the EU without customs duties. This practice has long been criticised for distorting competition and disadvantaging European retailers. The planned removal of the exemption for packages valued under €150 is expected to strengthen local businesses and limit unfair pricing strategies by foreign sellers. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos noted that updating customs rules is essential for both market competitiveness and consumer protection.

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Implementation Timeline And Key Measures

A central element of the reform is the abolition of the value-based duty exemption for parcels below €150. Customs duties will gradually be applied to all goods once the EU Customs Data Hub becomes operational, which is currently projected for 2028. In the interim, Member States have agreed on a temporary unified fee of €3 per parcel for items below the €150 threshold when shipped directly to consumers.

Differentiated Duty Charges By Item Category

From July 2026, the duty will be calculated according to the number of tariff categories contained within a package. For example, if a parcel includes two different clothing items classified under separate tariff codes, the total fee will amount to €6. This approach aims to ensure more accurate assessments and greater consistency in customs treatment across imported goods.

Economic Impact And Future Considerations

The revised customs structure is expected to generate additional revenue for both the EU budget and national treasuries, as customs duties remain an important financial resource for the Union. Officials also clarified that the €3 parcel fee is separate from a proposed processing charge that is still under discussion within the wider customs reform package.

Concluding Remarks

With global online trade continuing to expand, the EU’s decision represents a strategic effort to update its customs framework and restore balance between domestic and international sellers. Clear timelines and structured implementation measures suggest that the new system could significantly reshape how small cross-border shipments are handled within the European market.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Greek Retail Powerhouse Expands Into Six Strategic International Markets

Greek retail titan Jumbo has announced an ambitious expansion strategy that positions the company to extend its international footprint beyond its established strongholds in Cyprus and Southeast Europe. In a strategic agreement with the Balfin Group, the retailer is set to penetrate six new markets, including Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Strategic Global Expansion

The agreement builds on the existing cooperation between Jumbo and Balfin Group, which previously supported the retailer’s expansion into markets including Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova. According to the company, the next phase of expansion will include a greater degree of local operational management across the new markets.

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Enhanced Logistics And Supply Chain Capabilities

To support the expanded international network, Balfin Group is also developing a new central logistics hub in China. The facility is expected to strengthen sourcing, warehousing, transportation and distribution operations across the Caucasus region, Central Asia and Ukraine. Previously, Jumbo relied primarily on logistics infrastructure based in Greece to support franchise operations across Southeast Europe.

Sustainable Growth And Robust Financial Foundation

Alongside its franchise expansion strategy, Jumbo continues focusing on organic growth across existing markets. The retailer currently operates 89 physical stores, including 53 in Greece, six in Cyprus, 10 in Bulgaria and 20 in Romania, in addition to its e-commerce operations. A new store in Baia Mare is expected to open by the end of October.

Jumbo also operates 46 franchise stores across seven countries, including Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Israel. According to the company, its expansion strategy continues to be supported by strong liquidity levels and the absence of bank borrowing.