Following the European Union’s new customs measure that entered into force on July 1, 2026, the number of e-commerce shipments valued below €150 fell by approximately 50%. Under the regulation, which removed the tax exemption for low-value goods arriving from outside the EU, a temporary €3 duty per item began to be applied. The measure particularly covers billions of small parcels sent to Europe from China-based e-commerce platforms.
Customs Data: 53% Decline in Belgium, 46% in the Netherlands
The number of low-value parcels in Belgium decreased by 53% compared with last year, while the Netherlands recorded a 46% decline, particularly in e-commerce shipments originating from China. The two countries handle approximately half of the low-value parcels reaching Europe from outside the EU. Dutch authorities stated that the decline may not be caused solely by weaker demand, noting that some companies are importing goods in bulk, moving them to warehouses within the EU, and selling them to consumers from there.
E-Commerce Shipments Reached 5.8 Billion in 2025
The rapid growth in e-commerce volume is behind the restructuring of the EU customs system. According to data from the EPP Group in the European Parliament, the number of low-value parcels reached 5.8 billion in 2025, with the daily average exceeding 16 million. Parliament negotiator Dirk Gotink stated that the €3 measure had significantly reduced the flow of parcels, but that the implementation of the new regulations needed to continue.
Single Data Hub and the Lille Era in the EU Customs System
Under the new reform, European customs operations are planned to be carried out through a centralized data infrastructure. The European Customs Authority, based in Lille, will coordinate cooperation among member states; risk-based controls will be increased, and the EU Customs Data Hub will bring information on e-commerce shipments together in a single system. The reform is expected to be formally approved by the European Parliament on September 16.
Artificial Intelligence Will Be Used to Control E-Commerce Products
The European Commission announced that artificial intelligence will also be used in the new digital customs infrastructure. AI will be used to analyze data entered into the system, monitor risks, and predict potential problems before products reach the EU. In this way, safety, regulatory compliance, and tax controls for e-commerce and retail products are intended to be carried out in a more targeted manner. The temporary €3 customs duty will remain in effect until July 1, 2028. After that date, standard tariffs based on product classification are expected to come into force, while the EU Customs Data Hub is also planned to begin being used for e-commerce operations during the same period.