Starting this week, new customs duties have been introduced on packages arriving from countries outside the European Union, marking a significant shift in how online purchases are taxed within the EU. These changes, which came into effect recently, aim to address growing concerns about the increasing volume of cross-border trade, fragmented national systems, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. The new regulations eliminate the previous exemption for small-value shipments—those under €150—and now require all such items to pay customs duty and value-added tax (VAT). This move has sparked concern among consumers, as it appears these additional costs will ultimately fall on them rather than being absorbed by platforms or sellers.
According to Melita Buljan, a consultant in the Customs System Sector at the Croatian Customs Administration, the new fixed customs fee, while intended to be borne by platforms and sellers, is likely to be passed on to consumers. If the IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) procedure is used, the fixed customs fee will be charged at the point of purchase along with the package's value and VAT. However, if IOSS is not applied, the customs duty and VAT will be collected by postal or courier operators upon delivery. This means that depending on how the shipment is declared to customs authorities, the final cost will still end up being paid by the consumer.
The implementation of these new rules follows broader reforms being carried out by the EU to manage the pressures caused by rising trade flows, fragmented national systems, rapid growth in e-commerce, and changing geopolitical conditions. Negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament regarding these reforms, including the establishment of a customs information center under the jurisdiction of a new European customs body, are ongoing. These efforts reflect the complexity of managing cross-border trade within the EU and the need for harmonization of customs procedures.
In addition to the customs duty, a new handling charge for packages is set to be introduced by November. While the exact amount of this charge remains unknown, it is anticipated that consumers will once again bear the burden of this additional expense. As Buljan noted, "We don't yet know the size of this charge, but it’s clear that it will once again fall on the recipient."
To mitigate the impact of these new charges, large internet platforms are considering relocating parts of their operations to warehouses within the EU. By doing so, they might potentially avoid some of the new fixed fees. However, according to Buljan, this strategy would not necessarily prevent the application of customs duties, as the fees apply to goods sold before reaching the EU territory. Croatia currently does not have such warehouses, and oversight would fall under the jurisdiction of member states where these warehouses are located. Despite these considerations, it seems that the ultimate cost of these new measures will still be borne by consumers.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively these new customs policies will be implemented and whether they will achieve their intended goals of streamlining cross-border trade within the EU. For now, consumers can expect higher prices on online purchases, as the financial burden of these new regulations continues to shift onto them.
2 reports
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 752 days agoThe article discusses new fixed customs duties on packages from outside the European Union, which are intended to be borne by platforms and sellers but are expected to ultimately be passed on to consumers. Melita Buljan, an advisor at the Customs Administration, explains that these duties will likely be included in product prices. She notes that the payment method depends on whether the IOSS procedure is used, with the duty being collected at the point of purchase if it applies. Additionally, a new fee for handling parcels is set to be introduced by November 1st, though its exact amount remains unknown. Buljan also mentions that large internet platforms might relocate some operations within the EU to avoid these duties, but this would depend on when goods are sold. Croatia currently lacks such customs warehouses, and their oversight would fall under member states' jurisdictions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information based on official statements and does not take a clear ideological stance. It provides factual explanations regarding new customs regulations and their potential impact on consumers and businesses, without overtly favoring any particular political group or ideology.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article accurately reports on new customs duties and their potential impact on consumers, citing expert statements from Melita Buljan. It provides details on how the fees will be applied and mentions upcoming changes by November. The objectivity is somewhat compromised by the promotional tone su
Večernji listIndependentCenteryesterdayThe article discusses new customs duties introduced by the EU for small-value packages sent from outside the Union, which will increase costs for consumers. The reform aims to address challenges like rising trade volumes, fragmented national systems, and growth in e-commerce. Melita Buljan, an advisor at the Customs Authority, explains that fixed customs duties will be collected either at purchase via the IOSS procedure or upon delivery by postal/courier operators. This change eliminates the previous exemption for packages under €150, meaning customers will now pay both customs duty and VAT on such items. Platforms like Shein have already adapted by opening warehouses in Poland to avoid new charges. While regulations formally require platforms and sellers to bear the cost, practical experience suggests consumers will ultimately foot the bill. New fees for handling parcels are also planned, though their amount remains unknown.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about EU customs reforms and their impact on consumers without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from an official source (Melita Buljan) and provides balanced context about the implications for consumers and businesses. There is no clear slant,
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