The EU is paving the way for fair online competition: Starting in mid-2026, a flat-rate tariff will be imposed on low-cost imports under €150, and starting in 2028, the duty-free threshold will be eliminated entirely. For European online retailers, this finally means a level playing field—and a real opportunity to compete with low-cost platforms.
What’s changing
Flat-rate customs duty starting in mid-2026
Until now, platforms such as Temu or Shein have been able to ship goods worth less than €150 into the EU duty-free. That is about to change: Starting in July 2026 (as expected), a simplified flat-rate customs duty will apply to all e-commerce shipments from third countries—regardless of the value of the goods.
For you as a retailer: The artificial price distortion caused by duty-free cheap imports will be significantly reduced. Your products will compete under fairer conditions.
Duty-Free Threshold to Be Completely Eliminated Starting in 2028
In the second phase, the €150 duty-free threshold will be completely abolished. Every single shipment from non-EU countries will then be subject to regular customs duties—just as has always been the case for European retailers.
For you as a merchant: The end of loopholes. Misreporting values and splitting shipments to stay below the duty-free threshold will no longer work.
Processing fee per package
About two billion e-commerce packages enter the EU each year—a massive burden on customs authorities. The EU is therefore planning an additional processing fee per customs declaration to cover the administrative costs of mass processing.
For you as a merchant: The fee primarily affects the business model of low-cost platforms that rely on individual shipments from the Far East. European merchants with warehouses in the EU are not affected by this.
Platforms Will Be Held Responsible
Online marketplaces will become the official importer themselves. They must ensure that customs duties and VAT are paid correctly—rather than leaving this to the consumer or the package delivery service.
For you as a merchant: No more hidden price advantages for platforms that avoid customs duties. Competition will become more transparent.
What XONIC customers can do now
Position your prices confidently
With the elimination of the duty-free threshold, European products are becoming more competitive in terms of price. Communicate your advantages: fast delivery, EU quality standards, and local support.
Highlight EU Advantages
Customers will soon face customs duties and delays when receiving packages from non-EU countries. “Shipped from Germany—no customs duties” becomes a real selling point.
Keep Your Store Up to Date
XONIC supports you with these adjustments—from updated shipping information to highlighting your EU benefits on the product page.
Seize the opportunity presented by the new rules
Contact us—we’ll advise you on how to use the EU customs reform to your store’s competitive advantage.
Contact us now Learn more about the XONIC shop system
Stephan Dunger
Stephan Dunger is one of the brains behind the XONIC store system. He has been developing the platform together with the team since 2012 - from the database to the interfaces to the checkout.
A passionate programmer, technical mind and consultant at the same time: with his in-depth knowledge of store systems and e-commerce, Stephan combines the depth of a developer with an eye for the big picture. Together with the XONIC team, he shapes the technical direction, consistently thinks about functions from the retailer's perspective and advises on customized solutions.
The result is software with a face: customers don't get an anonymous provider, but a direct line to the people who develop XONIC. Pragmatic, fast and at eye level.
