Shein, Temu, AliExpress... The European textile industry is calling for a 'processing fee' of €10 per small parcel

The European textile industry has called for a new levy of €10 per small parcel aimed at online platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, which have been accused of environmental harm and unfair competition. The proposal comes as part of ongoing efforts by the European Union to curb the rapid growth of e-commerce imports, particularly from China. According to reports, the measure would complement an existing €3 tax already in place since July 1st, 2026, targeting small parcels imported into the EU. The push for higher levies was announced during a meeting at the Première Vision trade show in Paris, where representatives from key European textile organizations met with officials and industry leaders. The main advocacy group, Euratex, representing over thirty national federations across the continent, urged the European Commission to set the proposed “processing fees” at €10 per package. This amount would be intended to cover the costs associated with customs checks and enforcement against low-cost, high-volume imports that have strained regulatory systems. The European Union has long faced pressure from domestic manufacturers who argue that Chinese-based online retailers operate under different rules, often bypassing labor and environmental standards. These companies are known for their fast fashion models, producing large quantities of inexpensive clothing that quickly flood markets. In response, the EU has introduced several measures designed to level the playing field, including the current €3 tax on small parcels, which has reportedly reduced imports by between 30% and 40%. According to data released by French authorities, nearly 5.9 billion small packages entered the European market in 2025, with approximately 93% originating from China. That equates to more than 180 packages arriving each second, marking a sharp increase compared to 2022. The introduction of the €3 tax has had a measurable impact, with French authorities reporting a decline in the number of such shipments entering the country. At the recent meeting, Mario Jorge Machado, president of Euratex, emphasized that stopping at the current rate would not be sufficient. He argued that the additional €10 fee would better reflect the true cost of these platforms' business models, which have created challenges for customs authorities. He also stressed that the revenue generated should be directed toward strengthening border controls rather than being absorbed into general EU budgets. Pierre-François Le Louët, co-president of the French Federation of Fashion and Textile Industries (UFIMH), echoed similar sentiments, stating that the proposed €10 charge would represent the actual cost of operating these platforms. He noted that this approach would help address the difficulties faced by customs agencies trying to keep up with the volume and speed of these imports. The French government has also taken its own steps to combat the rise of ultra-fast fashion. A key provision of a recently passed law imposes a penalty on products sold by companies like Shein, with fines potentially reaching €19.50 for items such as jackets by 2030. This move aligns with broader European efforts to promote sustainable practices and protect local manufacturing interests. As the EU prepares to finalize the details of the proposed processing fees, the debate continues over how best to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. Industry stakeholders remain divided on whether the increased charges will effectively deter harmful practices or simply shift costs onto consumers. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of global e-commerce regulation for years to come.