That bargain haul from Shein, Temu or AliExpress may no longer feel quite so cheap for shoppers across the Costa Blanca and the wider European Union.
As from 1 July, shoppers across the EU will begin to notice the impact of new customs rules. The changes target the huge volume of low-cost parcels arriving from outside the bloc, especially from Chinese e-commerce platforms.
The reform forms part of a wider EU push to create fairer competition for European retailers. It also aims to tighten checks on imported products that do not always meet EU safety standards.
What has changed?
Until now, goods worth less than €150 entered the EU without customs duties.
That exemption has now ended.
A temporary €3 customs duty now applies to low-value imports from outside the European Union. The fee depends on the type of goods in the parcel rather than the shipment as a whole. Parcels containing different categories of items may face multiple charges. The system will remain in place until wider EU customs reforms arrive in 2028.
Will shoppers pay more?
In many cases, yes.
Some retailers will add the cost directly to prices or shipping fees. Others may absorb part of it to stay competitive.
Shoppers who regularly buy cheap clothing, gadgets or household items are likely to notice smaller savings. Platforms such as Shein and Temu may become less attractive for frequent low-value orders.
Why is the EU introducing the new rules?
European authorities say the old system no longer reflects modern online shopping.
Billions of low-value parcels now enter the EU every year. This puts pressure on customs services and creates price advantages for overseas sellers. Officials also point to concerns about counterfeit goods, unsafe products and underdeclared shipments.
The new duty aims to level the playing field and strengthen controls on imports entering the European market.
More changes could follow
The €3 duty is only the first step.
The EU is working on a wider customs reform package. Further changes are expected over the next two years, including digital customs systems and stricter tracking rules for imports. A separate handling fee is also still under discussion.
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