EU Proposes €2 Fee on Low-Value Imports: What It Means for Cross-Border Sellers and Dropshippers

The EU is planning to charge a fee on low-value imported parcels—a move that could reshape the future of cross-border ecommerce. But what does it really mean for importers, especially dropshippers using platforms like Temu, Shein, and 1688?

As a sourcing company with 10 years of hands-on experience, SourcingXpro has helped hundreds of clients navigate regulatory changes like this. In this post, we’ll explain what’s happening, what it means for your business, and how to respond strategically.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

The EU plans to charge €2 per parcel for direct-to-consumer imports and €0.50 per parcel if shipped via warehouse.
This policy targets small parcels under €150, 91% of which come from China.
Dropshipping businesses will face 2–3 EUR cost increases per parcel (e.g. YunExpress, 4PX, etc.).
It’s not a tax, but an “administrative fee” to fund customs and safety checks.
While this raises costs, strategic sourcing and better logistics can minimize the impact.
SourcingXpro can help clients find cheaper logistics channels and optimize declarations to offset rising costs.

Why Is the EU Charging for Low-Value Parcels?

On May 21, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic proposed a new flat fee—€2 per parcel for direct delivery to consumers, and €0.50 for parcels delivered via warehouses. The aim is to cover rising customs and inspection costs, caused by an overwhelming number of low-cost imports.

In 2024 alone, the EU received 4.6 billion small parcels under €150, and 91% came from China. This surge strains customs resources and raises concerns about product compliance, safety, and unfair competition.

Sefcovic emphasized that this is not a tax but a “reasonable administrative cost” to subsidize customs work. Similar moves are also being discussed in Japan and have already started in the U.S., where the de minimis rule was removed for Chinese parcels under $800 in May 2024.

What Does This Mean for Dropshippers and Cross-Border Sellers?

This proposed EU fee hits directly at the dropshipping and cross-border ecommerce model that thrives on small, direct-to-consumer shipments from China.

Impact on Logistics Providers (YunExpress, 4PX, etc.)

Logistics partners will likely pass on the €2 cost as a per-parcel surcharge, resulting in:

2–3 EUR extra per order
Potential cost adjustments in shipping plans
Increased demand for consolidated shipping or bonded warehouse models

From our experience, this won’t be a dealbreaker—but it will require adjustments. At SourcingXpro, we’re already helping clients explore:

Optimized declared values to reduce customs exposure
New shipping channels that combine cost efficiency with compliance
Pre-clearance options and EU fulfillment centers for bulk shipments

Why This Isn’t the End for Chinese Sellers (Or You)

While the headline sounds dramatic, the reality is more nuanced.

✅ Costs are rising, but not drastically. If you sell a product with €15–€30 profit margin, a €2 fee is annoying—but survivable.
✅ Options still exist to reduce the cost impact:
- Use EU-based warehouses (pay €0.50 instead of €2)
- Bundle shipments and split locally
- Work with professional sourcing agents who help you declare goods accurately and legally
✅ Buyers still love low prices. Temu and Shein will likely adapt and pass part of the cost down. Sellers who react quickly will stay competitive.

How SourcingXpro Helps You Stay Competitive

At SourcingXpro, we don’t just watch policies—we help you act on them. With over 10 years of sourcing and logistics experience, here’s how we support our clients:

✅ Custom Sourcing Solutions – We help you find alternative suppliers not visible on Alibaba or 1688.
✅ Shipping Strategy Planning – Whether you ship via YunExpress, 4PX, or others, we’ll help you choose the best route for both cost and compliance.
✅ Product Declaration Guidance – We assist with customs declaration to reduce risk while ensuring legality.
✅ End-to-End Support – From sample sourcing to customs clearance and EU fulfillment, our team supports your entire cross-border journey.

What’s Next?

We recommend keeping an eye on:

Official implementation timelines from YunExpress, 4PX, CNE, and other logistics providers.
Updates from the EU Customs Authority on how and when the new charges will be enforced.
Early signs of cost pass-through by platforms like Temu or Shein.

We’re monitoring all channels closely and will update our partners as soon as more details emerge.