CroatiaA recent claim circulating on social media suggests that online shopping from outside the European Union has become more expensive due to a new European import surcharge. The Euronews fact-checking team, The Cube, investigated this claim. Starting July 1, the European Commission introduced a temporary surcharge of three euros for customs processing on low-value shipments arriving in the EU from non-EU countries. This applies to any product valued up to 150 euros purchased online and sent directly to consumers. The Commission explains that the measure aims to ensure fair market competition for European businesses and cover the costs of handling an increasing number of small-value packages. The regulation will remain in effect until July 1, 2028, after which it will be replaced by new rules under the reform of the European customs system. While the commission states that the surcharge is paid by online retailers and platforms, not directly by consumers, experts suggest that these additional costs are likely to be passed on to end consumers through higher prices or extra fees. The Cube tested the impact of the new rules by purchasing a product via Amazon from a country outside the EU,
Bias read (Center): The article discusses economic regulations affecting online shopping but does not take a clear stance on the issue. It presents information from the European Commission, expert opinions, and examples from companies like Amazon, providing a balanced view without overtly favoring one side.
